CITY OF THOMASVILLE ENHANCES LIGHTING ON JACKSON STREET

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Over the last several months, there have been several enhancements made to one of Thomasville’s most popular roadways, thanks to both road and lighting improvements. In December 2017, a restriping project was completed for East Jackson Street. In February, the project was extended to West Jackson Street. While both projects were completed to increase visibility and driver safety, an additional project has also been completed that greatly improves this heavily traveled corridor.

Beginning in late 2017, City of Thomasville Utilities Electric Department began upgrading lighting along East and West Jackson Street. According to staff, the lighting upgrade will not only affect driver safety, but will also provide greater benefit to pedestrians and property owners. The new lighting contains luminaires that have the ability to provide more light on the ground and also produce a light that allows colors to be perceived more accurately when compared to the City’s standard high-pressure sodium streetlights.

“The new LED technology coupled with precision optics is able to direct almost 100% of the light down to the ground and at a color temperature that is both more natural and renders truer colors. This means that motorists and pedestrians will see more clearly, have less glare, and be able to better distinguish colors and objects at night,” said Jeremy Carter, Electric Engineering Manager. “All of this is accomplished with less light and up to 60% lower energy consumption.”

Carter explained that LED lights operate differently than traditional bulbs. “LED technology uses light emitting diodes that sit on chips rather than using a filament or arc tube to produce light. Much like the new LED’s that are available for home use, these LED’s give us the ability to dim lights as needed and provide us with a higher color rendering index.”

The new lighting is not only more energy efficient, it also comes with a ten year full replacement warranty, which means a reduced maintenance cost. “They produce a glare-free, soft white light that is much more natural and minimizes light intrusion onto private property off of right of ways,” said Carter. “The LED luminaires also have a longer useful life, lasting up to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs in some cases. They also help with light pollution, as they produce almost no up-light.”

Carter said that many customers have noticed the lighting upgrade and are happy with the results. “Hearing from our customers who have expressed their appreciation for our work is always a boost. Our goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations in all areas, so knowing we’ve done so is extremely rewarding.”


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