CONYERS, Ga. – In an effort to become a more energy-efficient community, the County has established a policy for the Rockdale County Department of Transportation (RDOT) to replace incandescent bulbs in traffic signals with light emitting diode (LED) bulbs around the county as part of the Georgia Department of Transportation Regional Traffic Operation Program.

“This policy will help us expedite the process and get closer to our goal to have all bulbs in the traffic signals replaced with LED lights within four years,” RDOT Director Miguel Valentin said.

RDOT began implementing the plan several years ago by replacing incandescent bulbs in traffic signals with LED bulbs when the bulbs became damaged or were no longer burning. The county selected LED lights because they are more efficient and durable than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Valentin said LED lights will not only result in a significant reduction in power consumption, but it will also reduce the frequency of when the bulbs must be replaced.

“This will reduce the cost of maintenance on the traffic signals, which will offset the initial capital expenditure of replacing the incandescent bulbs,” he said. “Once all the incandescent bulbs are replaced, the cost savings will continue to accrue indefinitely.”
Currently, more than 40 percent of the existing traffic signal bulbs at 13 County-maintained intersections have been replaced with LED bulbs.

To learn about more about RDOT, traffic signals and signs, visit the Transportation page on the County’s website at www.rockdalecounty.org/main.cfm?id=2140.