Published Thursday, 17 July, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Traffic lights green even when they are red
Main Roads is taking a giant green step forward by speeding up the installation of eco-efficient lights in traffic signals around Brisbane.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the $6 million upgrade would reduce energy consumption by up to 70 per cent and could reduce maintenance costs by up to 50 per cent.
“This initiative will see the replacement of 6000 sets of traffic lights at more than 330 sites controlled by Main Roads in the metropolitan area,” Mr Pitt said.
“Whereas previously a single bulb would have lit each of the green, yellow or red signals, a group of up to 128 Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) will now illuminate each colour.”
Mr Pitt said the new LEDs had a 10-year life span compared with the current incandescent lights, which have to be replaced every 18 months.
“The long life span of LEDs will result in safety improvements for road users as there will be significantly fewer bulb failures and less maintenance activity on the roads,” Mr Pitt said.
“The LEDs are also brighter, which will slightly improve their visibility for motorists. From a safety perspective, they are also less prone to reflection in the morning or afternoon sun.”
Mr Pitt said LED technology was best known for providing the ‘standby light’ on computers, appliances and other electrical equipment.
“LED traffic signals have been progressively brought into use in Queensland over the last several years. This project will accelerate the rollout of LED signals to all state-controlled intersections in the greater Brisbane area,” he said.
“To date, the traffic lights at about half the sites have been upgraded. This project will see the rollout completed in the next 12 months, years ahead of when it would have happened.
“The Brisbane City Council and adjoining local councils are responsible for more than half of the traffic lights in the greater Brisbane area. They also are progressively replacing their traffic lights with ones that feature LED technology.”
Mr Pitt said the replacement process would focus on safety with the yellow signals to feature more LEDs to maximise their brightness.
“Yellow signals are considered to send the most crucial message to drivers, so this is a further road safety aspect of these new lights,” he said.
As part of this project, which is being funded by the Queensland Government’s Energy Management Strategy, LEDs will also be used to illuminate traffic light directional arrows, and Walk and Don’t Walk signs.
Work is expected to commence next month, with two intersections being completed per day, weather permitting.
As the project progresses, advertisements will be placed in local papers on a weekly basis to advise communities of intersections being upgraded.
“Main Roads will continue to embrace energy and environmental management opportunities wherever possible,” Mr Pitt said.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the $6 million upgrade would reduce energy consumption by up to 70 per cent and could reduce maintenance costs by up to 50 per cent.
“This initiative will see the replacement of 6000 sets of traffic lights at more than 330 sites controlled by Main Roads in the metropolitan area,” Mr Pitt said.
“Whereas previously a single bulb would have lit each of the green, yellow or red signals, a group of up to 128 Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) will now illuminate each colour.”
Mr Pitt said the new LEDs had a 10-year life span compared with the current incandescent lights, which have to be replaced every 18 months.
“The long life span of LEDs will result in safety improvements for road users as there will be significantly fewer bulb failures and less maintenance activity on the roads,” Mr Pitt said.
“The LEDs are also brighter, which will slightly improve their visibility for motorists. From a safety perspective, they are also less prone to reflection in the morning or afternoon sun.”
Mr Pitt said LED technology was best known for providing the ‘standby light’ on computers, appliances and other electrical equipment.
“LED traffic signals have been progressively brought into use in Queensland over the last several years. This project will accelerate the rollout of LED signals to all state-controlled intersections in the greater Brisbane area,” he said.
“To date, the traffic lights at about half the sites have been upgraded. This project will see the rollout completed in the next 12 months, years ahead of when it would have happened.
“The Brisbane City Council and adjoining local councils are responsible for more than half of the traffic lights in the greater Brisbane area. They also are progressively replacing their traffic lights with ones that feature LED technology.”
Mr Pitt said the replacement process would focus on safety with the yellow signals to feature more LEDs to maximise their brightness.
“Yellow signals are considered to send the most crucial message to drivers, so this is a further road safety aspect of these new lights,” he said.
As part of this project, which is being funded by the Queensland Government’s Energy Management Strategy, LEDs will also be used to illuminate traffic light directional arrows, and Walk and Don’t Walk signs.
Work is expected to commence next month, with two intersections being completed per day, weather permitting.
As the project progresses, advertisements will be placed in local papers on a weekly basis to advise communities of intersections being upgraded.
“Main Roads will continue to embrace energy and environmental management opportunities wherever possible,” Mr Pitt said.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819