Energy Efficiency  -  February 8, 2022

Oregon DOT Streetlight Conversion Project Finished

The Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) streetlight conversion pilot program replaced more than 8,000 high-pressure sodium lighting fixtures across the greater Portland area with LEDs that will lower carbon emissions.

The new LED streetlights use 50% less energy than traditional highway and tunnel lighting fixtures and will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 3,500 metric tons annually. Upgraded streetlights line the highways in Region 1 of the ODOT system, which includes the Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah, eastern Washington counties and the Metro interstate bridges.

The $18.6 million project was funded by an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) with Ameresco, which also upgraded lighting in 13 tunnels within ODOT Region 1. Construction began in May 2020 and was completed in December 2021.

“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. 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,” said Elizabeth Papadopoulos, Consultant Project Manager, ODOT in a statement.