Solar-powered street lights enhancing safety in Albuquerque

City prioritizes safety with installation of solar lights in 'conflict zones'

City prioritizes safety with installation of solar lights in 'conflict zones'

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City prioritizes safety with installation of solar lights in 'conflict zones'

The city of Albuquerque is installing solar-powered street lights around the city. This includes along Candelaria near San Mateo and near Eubank and Constitution.

It marks a citywide initiative to enhance safety, particularly in what officials call 'conflict zones' prone to vehicular accidents.

"The goal is in neighborhoods like this, we want to create light at these conflict zones for cars to make sure that intersections are safe," Dan Mayfield, Municipal Development spokesperson for the city of Albuquerque, said. "But in areas like Downtown or the International District that are pedestrian-friendly areas that have heavily pedestrian traffic, we like to see a lot of light so that drivers can see pedestrians on the sidewalk."

While pricier than traditional street lights, city leaders say solar lights are a cost-effective investment in the long run, reducing electricity expenses and having greater durability.

While they aren’t able to install solar lights everywhere, they are carrying this initiative to add traditional street lights of any neighborhood in need. Plans are underway to install lights along Central between Louisiana and Wyoming, with the project slated to start this summer.