LED streetlights likely coming to Mundelein
More than a year after publicly proposing the project, Mundelein officials are set to replace hundreds of streetlights with more modern LED fixtures.
Proponents say the move could reduce the village's energy and maintenance costs. Not only do the LED lamps use less energy, they generally last longer than traditional high-pressure sodium bulbs.
The new fixtures could also reduce light pollution, officials said, because the light from LED lamps is more focused than traditional streetlights.
"People like streetlights in their neighborhoods, but they don't like that the light shines into their bedrooms," Mundelein Trustee Ray Semple said.
LED is short for light-emitting diode. LED fixtures have become increasingly popular on streets and in businesses and homes.
"I've got them in a couple bathrooms in my house," Semple said.
When they started investigating such a project in 2014, Mundelein officials proposed replacing the lights in about 900 poles. They've since scaled back the project and are considering 407 LED installations, Public Works Director Adam Boeche said. The work could cost about $500,000.
The scope was reduced because money for a larger project isn't available this fiscal year, Boeche said.
Officials would like to install more LED lights in the future if the funding is there, he said.
The old bulbs and the equipment that houses them will be replaced. The existing light poles will remain in place.
A Missouri firm called Control Technology and Solutions worked on preliminary engineering for the project for about a year, Boeche said. On Monday, the village board is expected to hire the firm to handle the actual light swaps. That meeting is set for 7 p.m. at village hall, 300 Plaza Circle.
If approved, the work should begin soon and wrap up by late May, Boeche said.
Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Carol Stream and Naperville are among the suburbs that have switched to LED streetlights.