Bismarck to speed up LED streetlight project

The city of Bismarck (North Dakota) is accelerating its plan to replace all its streetlights with LED lights, which are more energy-efficient and provide better visibility. The project, which started in 2013, aims to convert nearly 10,000 streetlights from High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights to Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

Bismarck Traffic Maintenance Superintendent Paul Lies said the city decided to finish the project in two years, instead of four, because of the high demand from residents who have seen the benefits of LED lights.

Many residents have praised the LED lights, while some have complained that they are too bright. Lies said the brightness can be adjusted by changing the angle of the fixture. He also said the LED lights are cheaper and more durable than the HPS lights, which have become scarce and expensive in recent years.

The city has already converted about 4,700 streetlights to LEDs and plans to do the remaining 5,000 in 2024 and 20255. 

Photo Bobak Ha'Eri