The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) jointly announced that the existing street lights in Central Avenue in Albany County will be replaced with LED lights to improve visibility and reduce energy costs.

This is a demonstration project that brings together industry, government agencies, not-for-profits and academic organisations to develop a strategy to transition street lights to energy-saving LED lighting throughout the state of New York.

Under the project, LED lights will be installed between Wolf Road and Reber Street.

"The lessons from this work will make New York's roads safer and street lighting more energy efficient."

The installation of LED lights is slated to begin this year with an investment of $300,000, which is supported by NYSDOT State Planning and Research funds.

According to a study conducted earlier by the NYSDOT, the new light installations in Colonie would reduce energy consumption by approximately 30,000 kilowatt hours (kWh), as well as reduce annual costs by approximately $4,500.

NYSERDA president and CEO John B Rhodes said: “The lessons from this work will make New York's roads safer and street lighting more energy efficient.

“NYSERDA's partnership with DOT advances Governor Cuomo's vision for developing safe and sustainable communities.”

Upon completion, the average light level in the stretch is expected to increase by 35% to 40%, thereby boosting visibility.

NYSDOT commissioner Matthew J Driscoll said: “Safety is our top priority, and this new lighting is one more way to make it safer and easier for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists to travel Central Avenue."

The state of New York owns approximately 1.4 million municipal streetlights, which collectively could save around 524 gigawatt hours annually, the equivalent of providing power to around 74,000 homes, with the replacement of those lights with LEDs.

Financial savings could be up to $95m a year, which comprises annual energy cost savings of $28m and annual maintenance savings of $67m.