Documentation of Semi-Permanent High-Mast Lighting for Construction

This report documents the first-time use by New York State of semi-permanent, high-mast pole-mounted fixtures used to illuminate nighttime road work construction and maintenance. This illumination approach was used along a three-mile stretch of Interstate 90 in Albany, NY, as an alternative to the more common portable light towers. The Lighting Research Center documented the high-mast lighting system and its performance in terms of construction work quality, safety, visibility (for workers and drivers), and economics; conducted photometric measurements on site; and developed recommendations for further refinement and optimization of the approach. The high-mast lighting system was found to have performed well and as intended. The installation provided a level of illumination sufficient for performing the maintenance and construction activities at the site, with few shadows and relatively low glare. The high-mast lighting system probably provided a higher level of safety than the portable light towers for several reasons, including better illumination and uniformity on the task for both workers and motorists; reduced risk of injury due to the elimination of daily lighting equipment setup and removal; and reduced exposure to fumes and noise from generators. Despite the higher total cost of the high-mast lighting system, the economic and societal benefits may be considerable. This lighting approach probably allowed the I-90 construction project to be shortened, leading to a significant reduction of traffic delays for motorists.