First round of Bethlehem-based demonstrations completed
After being rained out several times, a state-backed lighting study centering on a Bethlehem roundabout finally got underway on Monday, June 27.
About two dozen members of the Department of Transportation, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lighting Research Center and town officials gathered at the Route 140/New Scotland Avenue roundabout at about 9 p.m. and had a look at some new landscaping and crosswalk lighting measures that RPI researchers had set up.
One set of crosswalks was illuminated by bollards placed in the road that cast light onto the ground and pedestrians, said RPI researched John Bullough, and officials were invited to don hardhats and reflective vests to walk about the active circle to observe the elements from different angles. They also walked down the sidewalk to check things out from an approaching motorist’s perspective, but no one in the study traveled the roundabout in a car.
They then filled out questionnaires about the elements.
The pedestrian lights were probably brighter than they needed to bewe want to make sure they’re not too bright for the drivers approaching, said Bullough of the crosswalk lighting.
The landscaping lights, however, seemed to have a positive effect. Observers noted the lighting on the roundabout’s interior circle made it stand out in the darkness, and figured it might make motorists take heed of the circle earlier.
Researchers set up eight different plant species in the circle and illuminated them in various ways. People were mostly noncommittal on the specie type but didn’t really care for the switch grass, said Bullough. Though the effect on traffic is certainly an element of the study, the primary purpose is to seek out more energy efficient lighting methods than the big, overhead lights said the Department of Transportation’s Mark Kennedy.
`The purpose of [Monday’s] test was in a small scale way is to see what if RPI had done in the laboratory could be replicated in real life, and based on what we saw we believe they’ve done that,` Kennedy said.
Energy could be saved either by making more effective use of lighting or using different lighting sources entirely. In late July, there will be another one-night test when the sodium streetlights will be turned off and replaced by LED lighting, which casts a white light and is more energy efficient.
Researchers will take what they learn and deploy a multi-day test in the fall, when traffic can be observed reacting without hardhatted people standing about.
`Because it was not quite as a natural of an environment we don’t fully know [the impact on traffic],` Bullough said.
Figuring out ways to have motorists slow down and yield properly at roundabouts could end up being a secondary result of the study.
The state DOT and local governments have been installing more and more circles all over the state, arguing they are a good way to minimize congestion and avoid high-speed accidents. Anecdotal evidence suggests not all motorists are comfortable with them yet and may travel the roundabouts too fast, which is one reason authorities are searching for ways to calm traffic and make motorists more aware of their surroundings as they approach.
`There definitely can be benefits to these kinds of roundabouts, and we think that lighting can really maximize those benefits,` Bullough said.
After the fall test, a full report will be compiled.“
