Worker installs a new LED light on Highland side of the 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.
