Energy Efficient Traffic Lights Can't Melt Snow

Cold weather states are reporting that their LED traffic lights cannot melt snow and are becoming obstructed. They have been indicated as the reason for traffic accidents, however traffic experts claim that most drivers end up treating them as stop signs. It turns out that the energy efficient LED bulbs are not keeping up with their inefficient incandescent ancestors which gave off waste heat.

The new traffic lights are said to be 90% more efficient and last significantly longer than incandescent.

Wisconsin, which has put LED bulbs at hundreds of intersections, saves about $750,000 per year in energy costs, said Dave Vieth of the state Transportation Department. LEDs installed seven years ago are still burning, while most incandescent bulbs have to be replaced every 12 to 18 months, he said.

The snow won't obstruct a traffic light in all winter storms. The wind and snowfall has to be just right, but in those cases the current solution is to manually remove it. States and traffic authorities are experimenting with weather shields and other tech fixes.

To learn more about it check out the AP Story.