Abinanti: New Tappan Zee Bridge Needs 'Community Friendly' Lighting

MOUNT PLEASANT, N.Y. -- Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D-Greenburgh/Mount Pleasant) urged the Thruway Authority to comply with New York State statutory lighting standards, as it installs LED lighting on the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

Cassandra Huerta

06/04/2015 4:00 a.m.

The Thruway Authority recently announced that the new bridge will include more than 3,000 LED lights for ornamental and roadway lighting purposes.

“As a major construction project, the new bridge should utilize lighting that enhances its surroundings. We should strive to ensure that the new LED lighting system on the two new spans of the bridge preserve the unique qualities of the nighttime sky," Abinanti said in a letter to Bob Megna, director of the New York State Thruway Authority.

Section 143 of the Public Buildings Law sets standards for lighting in New York State. Under the statute, state agencies may install new permanent outdoor lighting only if fixtures are fully shielded (roadway lighting) and allow no more than 700 lumens (ornamental roadway lighting).

“I commend the Thruway Authority for its use of LED lighting – an energy efficient, forward looking approach,” said Abinanti. “However, I urge that the lighting complies with the standards set in state law.”

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