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 highmast 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.