Harrisburg has begun repairing light fixtures throughout the city, including this one in Riverfront Park in Shipoke.
Harrisburg plans to replace most of its streetlights by the end of the year, fixing a years-long problem that has left many streets in the dark, the city said today.
Shortly, the city will issue a request for proposals (RFP) to install energy-efficient LED lights for its 4,269 “cobra-head” light fixtures, said Mayor Eric Papenfuse.
“I believe [the installation] can be done before the end of the year,” he said.
The $2 to $3 million project will be paid through funds from the city’s infrastructure silo, which was set up as part of its economic recovery plan.
The city also has 1,131 “acorn-style” fixtures. Those lights will be replaced in a second phase of work.
LED lights should save the city about $250,000 a year in energy costs and are as much as 10-times brighter than the existing lights, said Papenfuse.
In addition, Harrisburg has begun repairing and replacing the 72 broken light fixtures in the city, many of which have been downed through auto accidents or age. So far, seven fixtures have been fixed. This work will continue over the next few months, independent of the RFP.
Harrisburg also is asking for help from the community. On June 7, two groups—Historic Harrisburg Association and Lighten Up Harrisburg—will sponsor a Glow Run to help raise money to defray some of the cost of the light replacement. A new bulb costs $75 to purchase, plus the cost of labor, said city Treasurer John Campbell.
To find out more about the Glow Run 5K, visit https://historicharrisburg.com.
