National Highways’ biggest ever programme to replace older street lamps with more energy efficient LEDs moves to the A5 in Tamworth next week.
Across the Midlands more than 3,200 LED lights will have been installed by the end of March 2023, and by March 2027 most lighting in the region will have been upgraded, reducing energy consumption by up to 65%.
The programme forms part of National Highways’ Net zero highways plan to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2030, which also includes buying renewable electricity, decarbonizing travel, and planting trees.
The work at Tamworth involves replacing more than 300 lights between Weeford Interchange and M42 junction 10 and starts on Monday, 20 November.
It will be carried out under phased overnight closures between 8pm and 6am Monday to Friday until mid January 2024, with the exception of two weeks over Christmas and New Year in line with National Highways’ policy to remove as many roadworks as possible for those travelling over the festive period.
National Highways Project Manager Emma Wood said: “As well as being more energy efficient the new LEDs last longer, meaning less maintenance and fewer replacements on our network, minimising the disruption to our customers and local communities. They can also be dimmed, concentrate light where needed, and require less maintenance.
“We’ll make every effort to ensure the impact on the local community and travelling public is kept to a minimum while we carry out the work but advise people to check their route before they set off and allow extra time for their journeys if necessary.”
During closures, fully signed motorway and motorway prohibited traffic diversions will be in place. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout.
