Can snow-encrusted LED stoplights be fixed?

After a series of close calls on on Minnesota 36 in Oak Park Heights, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is investigating ways to keep snow and ice off the lenses of energy-efficient traffic lights. MnDOT installed the LEDs as part of the new St. Croix River bridge project. Because the lights don’t emit much — if any — heat, ice and snow can accumulate. Drivers couldn’t see red lights on eastbound Minnesota 36 at Washington Avenue/Norell Avenue, Oakgreen Avenue/Greeley Street and Osgood Avenue, said Police Chief Brian DeRosier. One serious accident was reported, as were a number of “near-misses,” he said.