New Technology Saves 43 Million Kilowatt Hours of Energy; Reduces Maintenance and Repairs to Traffic Signals
BALTIMORE -– The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has converted more than 93 percent of its 3,000 traffic signal lights statewide to efficient Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lamps. SHA anticipates an estimated total energy savings of 43 million kilowatt hours by 2015, which equates to enough energy to power approximately 4,500 Maryland homes for an entire year.
SHA began converting incandescent bulbs in signals in 2006 to improve visibility and save energy costs. LED traffic signals also require less-frequent maintenance, which frees up crews to perform other tasks. Since 2008, SHA technicians have experienced a 68 percent decrease in maintenance calls to replace burned-out bulbs.
“SHA is capitalizing on more efficient technologies that emphasize our commitment to the environment and greener highways,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “LED technology provides brighter, more visible traffic signals, which improves safety for the millions of people who travel in Maryland every day.”
In addition to energy savings and reduced maintenance of the signal systems, LED traffic signals are brighter than incandescent bulbs. Brighter signals help draw driver attention to the signal during the day and improve traffic signal visibility at greater distances during nighttime travel.
SHA converted the signals as they were due to be replaced and in new construction. Retrofitting to LED systems began on the Eastern Shore and Western Maryland and is currently taking place in Central Maryland and the Washington D.C. suburbs. All SHA traffic signals will be converted to LED systems by winter.
Source: Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA)