Abu Dhabi: A comprehensive strategy to make lighting more sustainable across the capital has seen the iconic Shaikh Zayed Bridge fitted with energy-efficient LED lights, the Abu Dhabi Municipality said on Tuesday.
The new lights save 82 per cent of the power previously consumed by the previously-used traditional lighting system, and also reduce maintenance costs by 66 per cent, said Eisa Al Mazroui, acting executive director of municipal assets and infrastructure at the Municipality.
“According to a comparative study we conducted, we would need to replace about 5,160 traditional bulbs over a 15-year period. But with the LED (light emitting diode) lights that have been installed, the replacement rate will be zero,” Al Mazroui said.
The lights are also free of mercury, and therefore safer for the environment, he added.
Over the last two years, the Municipality has undertaken an initiative to introduce LED lights for Abu Dhabi streets. Officials earlier told Gulf News that the scheme is expected to save nearly Dh1.13 billion in terms of operation, maintenance and energy consumption costs.
A revised lighting code, introduced by the municipal sector regulator, the Department of Municipal Affairs, also requires all new and retrofitted roads to feature LED fixtures.
The Shaikh Zayed Bridge, which connects to the upgraded Shaikh Zayed Street, was one of the first thoroughfares to be fitted with sustainable lights. The Bridge itself is a well-recognised landmark that has been famous for its innovative design and lighting since it opened to vehicular traffic in November 2010.
In addition, the municipality is also working on an initiative to change traditional energy-consuming fixtures used in the city’s underpasses.
