Mayor Emanuel Announces Plan To Improve City's Streetlights
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago streetlights will get a remake under a plan announced by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Over the next four years the smart lighting project will replace over 270,000 lights on streets, alleys, and parks.
The high pressure sodium lamps will be replaced with more efficient and longer lasting LED lights.
The Chicago Department of Transportation is responsible for replacing the lights.
"CDOT receives more than 100 calls each day to report lighting outages," CDOT Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld said in a press release. "The new lighting management system that will be part of the Chicago Smart Lighting Project will greatly improve the efficiency of city forces and allow us to respond proactively when outages do occur and restore service more quickly. The longer life of LED lights will also greatly improve the reliability of our lighting system, enhancing safety for Chicago residents."
The city says the new lights will allow for real time monitoring of outages and also says the project will be paid for through the cost savings of using the newer bulbs.
The work should start early next year.