Sustainability In The Traffic Unit
Illinois Clean Energy Foundation | LED Traffic Signal Upgrade Grant
Beginning in 2005, the Public Works Department staff applied to the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation (ICEF) for a Light Emitting Diode (LED) traffic signal upgrade grant. The purpose of this program was to upgrade traffic signal lamps to LED’s in an effort to improve energy efficiency and enhance the quality and visibility of traffic control.
The Public Works Department received a total amount of $ 31,910.00 in grant funds from the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation to perform the needed traffic signal upgrades at fifteen intersections. The total energy saved by performing this upgrade was 61.60 Kilowatts of power.
The upgrade has benefited the Public Works Department in the form of safety to the motoring public, labor, and maintenance of the signals. The safety benefits include better visibility at night, in rainstorms, and during snow events in winter.
Labor and maintenance have also been reduced. Incandescent lamps are mandated by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to have the lamps changed at least once a year, this activity does not apply to LED modules in traffic signals. The maintenance benefit is the reduction of signal outages from lamp burnouts, which can also be a safety issue for motorists.
Another benefit of reduced energy consumption at these upgraded intersections is that it allows a battery back-up system to be employed. This means that a signalized intersection can fully function for up to four hours, and up to 16 hours under red flash condition until power is restored.
To find out more, visit the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation
LED traffic signal
LED walking signal
Installation of LED Type Fixtures on the Top Level of the North Evergreen Avenue Parking Structure
In an effort to reduce energy costs and improve lighting levels, pole mounted LED lighting fixtures were installed on the top level of the North Evergreen Avenue parking structure. These pole mounted LED fixtures reduce energy consumption by 80% while providing necessary lighting levels.
LED lighting fixtures at the North Evergreen Avenue Parking Structure
Recycle Street Lights and Gas Charged Lamps
The Public Works Department is sensitive to pollution generated by the improper disposal of street light fixtures and lamps. All street light fixtures are transported to metal recycling centers. Gas charged lamps are transported to centers which properly decommission the lamps.
Recycle Street Sign and Light Pole Materials
The Village uses aluminum in the 13,275 street signs located throughout the Village. Of the 4,081 total street light poles located within the Village, 1,955 of those are made from aluminum. Whenever aluminum signs or poles are no longer functional, the materials are transported to recycling centers.
Solar Powered Warning Sirens
In the summer of 1998, the Public Works Department started a program to replace the old Civil Defense Warning Sirens with the new omni-directional solar powered warning sirens. This project was completed in 2008. We know have a network of 12 new omni-directional solar powered warning sirens located strategically within the Village limits.
The new warning system is powered by solar panels which charge deep cycle batteries to power an array of ten speakers mounted atop a fifty-five foot pole.
The old warning sirens were powered by Commonwealth Edison service and were reliant on that power source to operate. This type of early warning network is free of the Commonwealth Edison power grid and will remain in operation in case power is lost in the area. This solar powered equipment is intended to ensure operational integrity in case of emergency.
The network of early warning sirens is tested every first Tuesday of the month to keep the system working properly and to make the public aware of the early warning tones in case of emergencies.
Solar powered warning sirens