Economic Analysis of Roadway Lighting

The objective of this research was to develop a methodology for selecting cost-beneficial lighting systems for urban arterial streets based on the visibility concept. To meet this objective the authors developed modern lighting costs and costs of nighttime traffic accidents; a regression equation relating nighttime accident experience to visibility levels; and an economic model that related the costs of lighting systems to the accident reduction benefits provided by higher visibility levels. The results include: (1) a computer program for predicting visibility, (2) a complete methodology for selecting cost/beneficial lighting systems based on road, lighting, and environmental parameters, and (3) a limited data base that includes four different luminaires and ranges of mounting heights, spacings, arrangements, and road widths.