A worker installs a new LED lamp in a fixture near the Mid-Hudson
Bridge
HIGHLAND – The New York State Bridge Authority is converting its
lighting to LED lights and that is a win-win to Executive Director Joseph
Ruggiero.
The agency initially replaced the street lights at the Bear Mountain Bridge
to LEDs and has included LED lights in the renovation of the NEWBURGH-Beacon
Bridge. The Authority will expand the program to also include the Kingston-Rhinecliff
and Rip Van Winkle bridges.
For now the Bridge Authority is installing 174 LED lights at the Mid-Hudson
Bridge Facility under an energy efficiency program administered by Lime
Energy for Central Hudson. A total of 120 street lights, 22 high mast
lights around the toll plaza and intersections and 32 tower lights on
the bridge span are being installed.
Ruggiero said for a one-time cost of $57,000, the Authority will save
over $50,000 per year.
“Within one year this project pays for itself; it’s a win-win
and the maintenance costs will be greatly reduced because of the shelf
life of these products,” he said. “It’s another step
that we are taking in our cost containment measurements that I have implemented
since taking over the Bridge Authority. It’s a good government thing
and it’s good policy.”
“Looking for efficiencies and cutting costs without sacrificing
service are an ongoing process at the Bridge Authority,” said Chairman
Richard Gerentine.
