Nearly 1,000 American Electric Lighting®Autobahn LED luminaires from Acuity Brands, Inc. were installed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to address safety and maintenance challenges on a 19-mile stretch of Highway 98. The previously unlit roadway in Santa Rosa County is now illuminated with new LED luminaires to help increase visibility and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. 

Autobahn LED luminaires were selected due to overall price, performance and low maintenance requirements. The LED luminaires also met a key stipulation of the project: they could be mounted on existing wooden distribution poles. 

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) installs 1,000 LED luminaires from Acuity Brands on Highway 98. The lights seen during daytime. (LEDinside/ Acuity Brands)

"The Autobahn luminaires perform very well – especially considering the mounting challenges we faced when designing the system," said Kenneth Folsom, Gulf Power lighting services supervisor. "And we fully expect ten years of operation without maintenance."

The installation has also met the approval of Highway 98 travelers. "We've received many positive comments regarding the lighting," said Folsom. "Roadway conditions are significantly improved and the LED luminaires have created a safer lighting environment for everyone who uses the highway." 

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) installs 1,000 LED luminaires from Acuity Brands on Highway 98. The lights seen during night. (LEDinside/ Acuity Brands)

Autobahn LED luminaires are designed to deliver quality performance and a quick payback. Breakthrough LED technology and precision-engineered optics provide exceptional illumination, and reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions by 60% compared to traditional sources. The luminaires can also integrate with the ROAM® wireless monitoring control system to maximize maintenance savings. Suitable applications include local, collector and major roadways.