Streetlight Improvement Program
The Streetlight Project contains different types of projects that are intended to implement operational improvements as well as build new infrastructure where there are existing gaps. Many of the streetlight initiatives are based on the goals outlined in the Streetlight Management Plan (SMP). This page provides updates on some of the streetlight projects in the County.
Operational Projects
The County initiated several projects with the goals of improving reliability, maintenance response times, and installing newer technologies. These initiatives are capital projects involving construction and equipment installation.
Lighting Technology Upgrades for County-owned Lights
Arlington County started converting its streetlights to LEDs through this program in 2010. The conversion of existing streetlight luminaires to LED technology enhances service reliability and saves operational costs. LED bulbs last up to five times longer than traditional bulbs and consume significantly less electricity. Additionally, due to the lower failure rate of LEDs, significant operational savings are achieved.
The first generation of LED streetlights are gradually approaching the end of their design life. LED luminaires that fail or are at the end of their life cycle are now being replaced with a new generation of LED luminaires.
Lighting Technology Upgrades for Dominion-owned Lights
The same potential environmental benefits and reliability improvements from LED technology apply to the large inventory of Dominion Energy (DE) owned streetlights. The County has been working with DE to convert its approximately 11,000 lights to LED technology. The Conversion Project for the DE lights was created in 2020 with a goal to complete the conversion of all 11,000 lights in five years. The conversion of the DE owned streetlights has been substantially completed ahead of schedule. Due to the change of luminaires, a significant cost savings on the monthly fee has been realized.
Ownership Clean-up Projects
The current mixture of streetlights owned by either Dominion Energy (DE) or the County within the same area creates major challenges for troubleshooting and repair. This ownership clean-up project will involve removing existing DE streetlights from the County districts (areas where only County lights will exist moving forward). By clearly delineating the ownership areas, the County and DE will benefit from more streamlined troubleshooting and maintenance.
The tasks in this project vary in the level of complexity and cost. Tasks are selected based on the immediate operational urgency and complexity to complete. The list below summarizes a list of active tasks. This project is ongoing and expected to be constantly evolving.
Ownership Clean-up Projects (Updated May 2020)
| Task Code |
Description |
Location |
Status |
| CC3 |
Removal of existing Dominion cobra streetlights (5) and installation of County carlyle (3) poles and upgrade of carlyle luminaires (26)
|
S Fern St between 15th St S and 18th St S
|
Completed |
| R9 |
Replacement of 12-foot carlye poles with 16-foot standard carlyle poles and upgrade of luminaires to new LEDs.
|
Key Blvd/N Oak St/18th St N
|
Completed |
| R-4
|
Removal of existing Dominion Cobra streetlight and installation of (2) 16’ Carlyle poles with 4000K fixture. |
Pierce St between 16th Road N and 16th Street N |
Completed |
| R-5
|
Removal of existing Dominion pole and luminaire and installation of (1) 16’ dual Carlyle poles with 4000K fixture. |
Clarendon street between N Queen and N Pierce |
Completed
|
| R-8 |
Removal of existing dominion cobra luminaire and installation of (1) 16’ Carlyle poles with 4000K fixture. |
Queen Street between 16th Street N and N Fairfax Drive. |
Completed
|
Capital Improvement Projects
Capital projects are generally long-term construction projects that require survey, design, and major construction efforts to complete. These projects are typically initiated through the County’s CIP process. Current projects would appear below in various stages of design and construction.
Completed Projects