In response to lighting concerns identified in the ASOSU Women’s Affairs Task force Report, Capital Planning and Development is working with Facilities Services and ASOSU leadership on the Campus Way Lighting Project. OSU’s existing exterior lighting standards exceed the city’s minimum requirements; however, areas west of 30th Street tend to have fewer exterior lights because there has been less development than in the core of campus. The Campus Way Lighting Project will bring the installation of 18 new historic-style light poles along the north side of Campus Way between 30th and 35th Streets, which was identified as an area of particular concern in the Task force Report.
Building upon the pedestrian lighting pilot project started at the Oldfield Animal Teaching Facility, the Campus Way Lighting Project will utilize LED lamps for improved effectiveness. LED lamps are much more energy efficient than the high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps used in older light poles on campus, and LED lighting has shown to have a longer life than traditional lighting. More importantly, the project leads to a greater sense of security at night. Whereas HPS lights tend to give an orange cast, the color of light produced with LED is truer to daylight, allowing pedestrians to better see their surroundings and to make facial recognition.
The project was initially scheduled to be completed by the end of November, but due to challenges in getting a building permit, finding an appropriate power source for the lighting, and procuring the lamps from the manufacturer, the completion of this project has been delayed. To expedite the benefits of this project and address concerns regarding lighting levels, construction will begin with the installation of light poles with temporary lamp heads to provide lighting in this area until the permanent heads are received from the manufacturer and installed. This project is currently expected to be complete in spring 2015.
For comments, questions or additional information on the Campus Way Lighting Project, contact:
Sara Robertson, Associate Campus Planner with Capital Planning and Development, at 541-737-0459.
