The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Page A12
Cool Traffic Lights a Hazard
By Dinesh Ramde, Associated Press
Milwaukee - Cities around the country that have installed energy-efficent traffic lights are discovering a hazardous downside: The bulbs don't burn hot enough to melt snow and can become crusted over in a storm - a problem blamed for dozens of accidents and at least one death.
Many communites have switched to LED bulbs in their traffic lights because the use 90 percent less energy than the old incandescent variety, last longer and save money. Their advantage is also their drawback: They do not waste energy by producing heat.
Authories in several states are testing possible solutions, including installing weather shields, adding heating elements like those used in airport runway lights, or coating the lights with water-repellent substances.
Short of some kind of technological fix, "as far as I'm aware, all that can be done is to have crews clean off the snow by hand," said Green Bay, Wis., police Lt. Jim Runge. "It's a bit labor-intensive."
In St. Paul, Minn., for example, city crews use air compressors to blow snow and ice off blocked lights.
Some communites began installing coll-burning LEDs more than a decade ago, and it wasn't long before drivers started complaining about the problem.
Exactly how much a technological fix will cost is unclear, but it will surely cut into the savings and the energy efficeny many cites are enjoying.
Wisconsin, which has put LED bulbs at hundreds of intersections, saves about $750,000 per year in energy costs, said Dave Vieth of the state Transportation Department.