LEDs to light Langley’s streets

Heeding the advice and concern of Langley citizens, as well as data from the American Medical Association, Langley officials will replace nearly all 100 traditional sodium streetlights with 3,000-Kelvin bulb light emitting diodes, also known as LEDs. Mayor Tim Callison said at Monday night’s city council meeting that the city expects to save $2,500 a year as a result of the switch. The savings will eventually be used to replace 4,000-Kelvin bulbs installed on Second Street two years ago during a renovation project.

July 20, 2016 10:00 am
A Langley resident walks underneath one of Langley’s two LED test bulbs on Third Street and Park Avenue.
A Langley resident walks underneath one of Langley’s two LED test bulbs on Third Street and Park Avenue.

Heeding the advice and concern of Langley citizens, as well as data from the American Medical Association, Langley officials will replace nearly all 100 traditional sodium streetlights with 3,000-Kelvin bulb light emitting diodes, also known as LEDs. Mayor Tim Callison said at Monday night’s city council meeting that the city expects to save $2,500 a year as a result of the switch. The savings will eventually be used to replace 4,000-Kelvin bulbs installed on Second Street two years ago during a renovation project.

Two LED test bulbs, 4,000 and 3,000-Kelvin, were installed in late June for the public to consider. The 4,000-Kelvin bulb drew flak from residents due to detrimental effects stemming from them, such as a decrease in visual acuity, suppressed melatonin, impaired daytime functioning and obesity. Though the light appears white to the naked eye, blue light emitted from the LED causes worse nighttime glare than traditional bulbs, according to a statement by the association.