The Effect of Nighttime Lighting on Construction Workers’ Safety

This research evaluated the effectiveness of nighttime construction lighting systems in improving worker visibility and safety while minimizing glare impacts on motorists in Nebraska work zones. The study combined an industry survey with controlled field testing to assess current lighting practices and quantify lighting performance. Survey responses from construction professionals documented commonly used lighting systems, perceived adequacy, safety impacts, and public concerns related to glare. Field experiments were conducted at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility using LED, halogen, and balloon light towers. Lighting configurations were systematically varied by mounting height, aiming angle, and rotation angle. Worker visibility was evaluated using horizontal illuminance based on Federal Highway Administration recommendations, and driver glare was assessed using veiling luminance ratios in accordance with Illuminating Engineering Society RP-8-22 standards. Results indicate that lighting performance depends primarily on configuration rather than lighting type alone, and only a limited number of configurations satisfied both illuminance and glare criteria. The findings can be used to guide safer nighttime work zone lighting setup and support the development of NDOT-specific lighting recommendations.