TABLE OF CONTENTS C. Paul Watson, P.E.
State Electrical Engineer
Alabama Department of Transportation
Montgomery, Alabama
Brian L. Bowman, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor of Civil Engineering
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Part 2 of this chapter presents considerations in the selection of lighting for freeways and other types of roadways. Both standard and high mast lighting are addressed. Roadside safety and the application of various types of bases are discussed and illustrated. Information on construction, acceptance testing, and maintenance is presented. An extensive list of references, which are noted in the text, concludes the section. Portions of this material were derived from studies made under a Federal Highway Administration Project, Design, Construction and Maintenance of Highway Safety Features and Appurtenances.
Properly designed and installed roadway lighting can result in significant reductions in nighttime traffic accidents, act as a deterrent to crime, increase commercial activity, and improve aesthetic value. Roadway lighting increases traffic safety by enhancing the visibility of potential roadway hazards, other vehicles, pedestrians, and roadway geometrics. Pedestrians are among the largest beneficiaries of lighting installed on urban streets. Studies indicate reductions of up to 80 percent in pedestrian accidents and reductions ranging from 20 to 40 percent for all types of night accidents [1]. Another study identified a 40 percent reduction in the ratio of night accidents to day accidents resulting from the installation of roadway lighting on freeways [2]. While these figures are significant, it is anticipated that the safety benefits derived from the...
