Solar-Powered Barricade Warning Lights

As a part of the Midwest States Smart Work Zone Deployment Initiative (MwSWZDI), Types A and C solar-powered LED lights were compared with two brands of battery-powered lights (one with incandescent lights and one with LED lights) currently used by the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT). The purpose of the study was to examine whether solar-powered lights provide consistent illumination over an extended period of time (e.g., 14 weeks, which is as long or longer than most long-term work zone projects). The study also examined the life cycle of the solar-powered lights to determine if they could eliminate the costs associated with the maintenance of battery-powered lights.