Under a $355,000 pilot project fund by the Federal Highway Administration, the Oregon Department of Transportation has taken a solar-powered navigationa LED lighting system pilot project on the Astoria-Megler Bridge in the summer of 2011.

The demonstration project is intended to test the lights’ performance in windy and low-light conditions. “We’re not really worried about the panels charging,” said ODOT project manager Paul Christiansen. “We think that will be fine.” The real concern is how the lights will hold up in 100-mph winds. The original lights have yet to be removed. “I’ve heard the plan is to remove the electrical system when we’re sure the solar-powered [system] will work,” Christiansen said.

Weather stations and cameras were tied into the solar panels as well.