City of North Little Rock to Save Costs with LED Road Lights but at What “Cost” to Motorists?

The city of North Little Rock has projected that it will save nearly $240,000 over a 20 year period by installing LED lighting on parts of Interstates 30 and 40 within the city limits. In theory, LED lights should better illuminate roadways for motorists than existing high-pressure sodium light bulbs. However, valid concerns exist because there are no widely accepted standards for LED technology in roadway illumination. A recent survey of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials indicated that only 16 states have used LED lighting for roadway illumination. As of now there are no standards, regulations, or guides on LED roadway lighting in existence. Time will tell whether the use of LED lighting will save the city of North Little Rock money and make Interstates 30 and 40 safer for motorists. Carter Stein