High Mast Lighting Impact on Driver's Visibility, Traffic Performance and Illumination Costs

Abstract

In 1975, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Ontario erected the first high mast lighting installation in Ottawa consisting of 46-30 m assemblies. When the cost analysis was carried out it was found that the high mast system was almost twice as expensive as that of conventional lighting normally consisting of 15 m mounting heights. As a result of this experiment conclusions were drawn at that time that high mast lighting could not be justified for economic reasons. Based on the above reasons, the Ministry has carried out an exhaustive study to determine the cost effectiveness of high mast lighting considering driver's visibility and traffic performance. The experience of high mast lighting in various countries is considered and conclusions are drawn on its advantages and disadvantages as compared with conventional lighting. Where an economic analysis of high mast vs. conventional lighting indicates that a break-even situation exists, high mast lighting should be used because it provides higher quality illumination and the possibility of a lower accident rate.