MDOT Installs Energy-Efficient Induction Roadway Lights Along I-94
JACKSON -- The Michigan Department of Transportation is replacing more than 200 inefficient high-pressure sodium roadway fixtures near Detroit Metro Airport as part of an innovative lighting demonstration funded by the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.
MDOT selected EverLast induction cobra head roadway fixtures from Jackson-based lighting manufacturer Full Spectrum Solutions Inc. as energy-efficient replacements for the outdated HPS fixtures.
The new induction lights are installed along I-94 between the Merriman and Middle Belt Road as well as both exit ramps. MDOT is reviewing the use of energy-efficient lighting as a way to save taxpayers money through reduced energy and maintenance costs associated with freeway lighting. These types of lighting use less energy and last longer, resulting in significant savings.
"These days, everyone is looking for ways to save money on energy and maintenance costs, as well as reduce their overall energy footprint," stated Adam Penzenstadler, cost and scheduling engineer for MDOT. "The use of energyefficient lighting is just one method that can assist in accomplishing this goal."
"EverLast induction lights reduce energy by 50 to 70 percent and last up to 100,000 hours," said Brandon Marken, director of commercial sales for EverLast. "The fixtures require little to no maintenance over the course of 10 years, and depending on the scale of the project, can save cities thousands of dollars in operating and maintenance costs annually."
In addition to the environmental and economic benefits provided by the new fixtures, MDOT's lighting demonstration also illustrates the importance light quality and lamp life play in promoting transportation safety. EverLast induction roadway fixtures produce a white light with higher color rendering that improves driver visibility on roads and freeways. In addition, an increased lamp life results in less maintenance.
"These energy-efficient fixtures limit the number of times we have to put one of our people in harm's way," Penzenstadler said. "That's important to us."
Technical tours of this innovative lighting demonstration will be conducted during the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials upcoming annual meeting in October.
"MDOT wants to show that they are committed to making Michigan a leader in energy efficiency," Marken said.
Energy-efficient EverLast induction lights are installed in several other locations in downtown Detroit, notably Cobo Center, Detroit Produce Terminal; and MTU Detroit Diesel.
