Implementing Semipermanent High-Mast Lighting for Highway Construction Projects

Abstract

Semipermanent, high-mast pole-mounted lighting for nighttime road work construction and maintenance was implemented based on an installation along Interstate 90 in Albany, New York. The high-mast lighting system met state lighting performance specifications. There were no recorded accidents at the site during the construction period. Although that result is largely attributable to roadway closures allowed during part of the project, consensus of the contractor and transportation agency is that the lighting increased safety. The cost of the high-mast lighting system was approximately 16% higher than the estimated cost of the portable light towers. Despite the higher estimated cost of the high-mast lighting system, the economic and societal benefits seem considerable in this particular location, an urban, heavily traveled throughway. In particular, this lighting method probably shortened the time required for the construction, reducing the amount of risk to workers and drivers and reducing traffic delays for motorists. This paper identifies projects where this lighting technique might be appropriate.