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Nov 18, 2023

Health concerns could derail energy

The Commonwealth Transportation Board may put a planned conversion to LED

The Commonwealth Transportation Board may put a planned conversion to LED streetlights in Hampton Roads on hold because of health concerns.

The board was set to vote on a $20.3 million contract that would upgrade 9,627 streetlights in the Hampton Roads, Richmond and Fredericksburg areas.

LED lights, which use 50 percent less energy, could save the Virginia Department of Transportation $7.2 million over 15 years and provide a whiter, clearer light for drivers.

But board member Scott Kasprowicz urged officials to take a second look at the idea because of potential health concerns outlined by the American Medical Association last year.

"This is not a financial decision, but a public health decision," Kasprowicz said, "and a serious one."

At issue is the blue color "temperature" or shade of the light VDOT is looking to purchase. The 4,000 Kelvin-colored light can create glare, disrupt sleep cycles and affects nocturnal animals.

"Although data are still emerging, some evidence supports a long-term increase in the risk for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity from chronic sleep disruption … associated with exposure to brighter light sources in the evening or night," the 2016 AMA report said.

Several lighting associations called the report overblown.

Older high-pressure sodium lights that look more yellow come in at 2,100 Kelvin. AMA said 3,000 Kelvin is a lot easier on the eyes, but that may mean having to add more poles to adequately light the roadway.

VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick was set to get more information from vendors Tuesday night before a vote today that now may be delayed.

Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne said he’d rather be cautious than vote on a project that would last decades.

"Virginia has a history of waiting to make sure we do it right," Layne said.

Mary Hughes Hynes, a CTB member that has served on Arlington County Board, said that the LED conversion in her area was the second-most controversial issue she's dealt with – only behind a streetcar project.

"We had 5,000 Kelvin lights and people couldn't sleep at night," Hughes Hynes said.

The project, if approved, is set to start in November and be complete by July 2019, but any change this late in the game would mean nearly an 18-month delay and re-working the contract, Kilpatrick said.

VDOT officials were excited about the energy savings and other benefits, longer lifespans and ability to dim or turn the lights on and off instantly.

The older sodium lights that cast a yellow-ish light take time to warm up and often only last five years, as opposed to 15 years for LEDs.

At any given time, about 10-25 percent of bulbs are burned out.

The new LED lights consume 50 percent less energy and last three times longer than the sodium lights. That means sending crews out far less often to replace them.

The project is paid for by the energy savings and the contractor, Trane, is on the hook for compensating VDOT if it doesn't meet energy-savings goals.

The biggest improvement is the brighter, whiter light that officials say is easier to see your surroundings.

LED lighting has been used in some parts of Hampton Roads, most notably on Princess Anne Road and on the new Lesner Bridge, both in Virginia Beach.

Jordan Pascale, 757-446-2276, [email protected]

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