2010 News Archive
City installing better, brighter traffic lights
New LED lights more efficient, more visible
4/9/2010
The crew at Johns Creek Public Works Department is having one bright idea after another.
Johns Creek transportation workers are installing longer-lasting and more visible traffic lights at City intersections. Using LED technology, the new systems are light years ahead of the old incandescent bulbs that are being replaced.
When the crews are done sometime in early summer, the new traffic lights should be easier to see because they're slightly brighter. They are not the kind that are hard to distinguish when hit by sunlight.
LED lights last three to five years, compared to the old bulbs that burn out after six to 12 months. The change also means crews won't be blocking traffic to maintain the lights as much.
And the new LED system is more efficient, using 14 watts of energy compared to the incandescent bulbs that consume 135 watts.
The state Department of Transportation already replaced old bulbs at intersections along Medlock Bridge Road and at five crossroads on Jones Bridge Road. The state provided the LED lights, which cost about $37,000. Replacing the 372 lights at the remaining 40 intersections will cost about $35,000, which will come from a federal grant.
Over the next few months, the City also will test a new LED street light at McGinnis Ferry Road and Seven Oaks Road. The LED street light theoretically could last up to 16 years compared to high-pressure sodium lights that last nine months to a year.