(November 18, 2011) – As an energy savings and cost cutting measure, the State Highway Administration (SHA) will remove 92 extra overhead lights from two US 50 Bridges that cross the Nanticoke River in Vienna and the Sen. Frederick C. Malkus, Jr., Bridge in Cambridge.
“Between one-half and two-thirds of the existing lights will be removed, saving considerable energy use and costs,” said Donnie Drewer, SHA District Engineer for Dorchester, Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico counties. “On the main span, crews will remove every other light so they are staggered along each bridge to ensure consistent coverage and lighting.”
Work crews have removed 46 lights from the US 50 bridge in Cambridge and an additional 46 lights will be removed from the bridge in Vienna by the end of the year. No lights will be removed from either the ramps or approaches to either bridge.
The reduced lighting is the result of an SHA statewide highway light inventory and reduction review. When the original lighting was installed years ago, SHA exceeded its standards and specifications. Today, vehicle lights are much brighter than in years past and overhead lighting is becoming redundant and even light pollution to nearby communities.
SHA estimates the reduced lighting will save about 60,000 kwh per year in usage at the Vienna and Malkus bridges.
The combined estimated savings in electric power and maintenance is approximately $1,000 per bridge – or a total of $2,000 per year. Where highway lighting has been reduced in other parts of the State, there have been a measurable savings in the expense of providing electric power and lowering maintenance costs.
The $26,000 maintenance contract was awarded to Rommel Engineering and Construction of Fruitland, Md. There will be daily single lane closures on each bridge during the lighting reduction work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Signs, barrels and arrow panels will be used to guide motorists through the work zones.
While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and do not follow too closely. Safe driving. Safe work zones. For everyone.
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