The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently completed the $18.6 million streetlight conversion pilot program.
The project replaced more than 8,000 high-pressure sodium lighting fixtures across the greater Portland area with LEDs. The new lights line highways in Region 1, including the Metro interstate bridges and Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah, eastern Washington counties.
Ameresco, a company specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, completed the conversion.
“From the start, we were thrilled to partner with Ameresco on a street lighting project that would save long-term maintenance costs and enhances our commitment to reducing carbon emissions through renewable solutions,” Elizabeth Papadopoulos, ODOT consultant project manager, said. “We couldn’t have foreseen all of the challenges, but thanks to Ameresco, we successfully navigated hurdles as they came, and the project was delivered in a seamless and smooth manner.”
The LED streetlights will not need to be replaced for at least 15 to 20 years and use 50 percent less energy than traditional lighting fixtures. They also will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 3,500 metric tons annually.
Ameresco also upgraded lighting in 13 tunnels within Region 1.
An energy savings performance contract funded the project. Construction began in May 2020 and ended in December 2021.