LED Traffic Signals Are Saving Energy in Tulsa
This week citizens may notice a flurry of activity going on
downtown as the process begins to convert more than 1,100
incandescent lamps to LED in traffic signals and pedestrian
signals. Completion of the project is scheduled for March 2011,
weather permitting.
"Projects like this one move us forward toward greater
conservation," Mayor Dewey Bartlett said. "For these downtown
signals, we will realize an estimated annual savings of $44,500 and
688,000 kilowatt hours."
The LED Traffic Signals project already has saved energy in the
first couple of days. Before the installation of LED signals at
Archer Street and Boulder Avenue, amperage readings were at 10
amps. After installation of LED signals, the project manager took a
reading of 1.8 amps - a significant savings.
The City of Tulsa has contracted with Traffic & Lighting
Systems LLC, for this $647,121 project. Funding has come from the
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, or stimulus.
The contractor will work multiple shifts, including some night
work, to finish the project quickly. Exceptions to this work
schedule include rush hours from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., and between the
hours of 7 p.m. and midnight within a five-block radius of the BOK
Center.
LED, or light-emitting diodes, extend the life of traffic
signals, use less energy and require less maintenance. The new LED
pedestrian signals will count down seconds while the "Don't Walk"
symbol flashes, until it stays lit.
With completion of this project, all pole-mounted traffic
signals downtown will have been converted to LED. Traffic signals
on mast arms still remain to be changed.
