LED lights give Richmond-San Rafael Bridge new glow
Mark Prado
Marinin.com
Thanks to Michael P. for this article!
Headlights and streetlights illuminate the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, as seen from San Rafael on Thursday. New LED lights being installed on the bridge will use 60 percent less energy than the existing high-pressure sodium bulbs, and are expected to last five times longer.
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge is taking on a slightly different glow these days, thanks to the installation of energy-saving LED lights.
"You can see the difference between the lights," said Bob Haus, a spokesman for the California Department of Transportation. "The old lights give off a yellow-green fuzzy color, while new lights are a warm, white glow."
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"We evaluated it, but the LED lights would give the bridge a different look," said Mary Currie, bridge district spokeswoman.
The LED lights that are used on the Golden Gate Bridge - including at the toll plaza - have worked well, said Denis Mulligan, bridge engineer.
"They not are only more energy efficient, but they cut labor costs because you don't have to change them as often," he said.
This summer, Mill Valley became the first city in Marin to test LED streetlights to see if they would save energy and reduce maintenance costs.
San Rafael, Novato and Mill Valley are among cities that have outfitted traffic signals with energy-efficient lights.
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