Grand Rapids, Michigan is on the verge of completing its citywide LED streetlighting project, with over 80 percent of the conversion already finished. The project, which involves converting 18,000 city streetlights to energy-efficient LED fixtures, has been progressing steadily.
According to City Engineer Tim Burkman, the decision to switch to LED lights was driven by the desire to enhance safety, reduce costs, and promote environmental sustainability. Burkman stated, "Our primary goal in arriving at this decision was the safety of our residents and neighborhoods, which is a critical objective in the City's strategic plan." He added, "We know that most accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists happen at night, and many of those are the result of poor visibility. Additionally, better lighting will make residents feel safer in their own neighborhoods."
The city expects significant cost savings due to the installation of LED lights. Burkman revealed that the installed LEDs are already saving the city a considerable amount in electrical costs. When the project is fully operational, Grand Rapids anticipates an annual energy savings of approximately $350,000.
The project has been carried out in a systematic manner, with the city's lighting contractor working in three remaining focus areas: North, South, and Downtown. The remaining areas include Cheshire, Creston, Monroe, Michigan Street, Heartside, Division South, East Fulton, and the Cherry/Lake/Diamond neighborhoods and business districts. The lighting contractor is scheduled to install 1,000 LEDs per month in these areas over the next three months, weather permitting.
The conversion to LED lights has been relatively unobtrusive, with minimal disruption to access and traffic. Neighborhood associations have been informed of the general schedule in their areas, but the work itself is unlikely to be noticeable until the light fixtures have been changed.
The city's LED pilot team, composed of staff from the Energy, Lighting, and Communications (ELC), Environmental Services, and Engineering departments, along with engineering consulting firm GeoTech, played a crucial role in recommending this change. Their recommendation was based on extensive research, analysis, and community engagement, including surveys in targeted neighborhoods and a comparison of two light color temperature options.
The LED streetlighting project in Grand Rapids began in the summer of 2021 and has progressed steadily towards the center and downtown areas. The decision to transition to LED lighting aligns with the city's strategic plan and its objectives for safety, cost reduction, and environmental sustainability.
For more information on the city's LED color temperature selection process and the progress of the project, visit the official website at grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Departments/Energy-Lighting-and-Communications/LED-Color-Temperature-Selection-Process.
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