NEW FIXTURES WILL INCREASE AMOUNT OF LIGHT ON CAMPUS WALKWAYS

The first of a three-phase project to increase the amount of lighting along campus walkways is under way. New light fixtures, which give off light more closely resembling natural daylight, will be installed atop existing poles, replacing the old plastic globe and "square box" fixtures.

"The new fixtures will increase the amount of light on the walkways by 25 percent with no increase in the amount of energy needed to power the lights," said Ron Tola, director of facilities management. "Campus landscaping and walkways will appear a 'truer' color, rather than the current 'yellow-orange' color."

Phase I of the project provides for the installation of new lights on all walkways bounded by 43rd and 49th streets, and Elkhorn Avenue and Hampton Boulevard. This phase, which will cost an estimated $220,000, is scheduled for completion by Feb. 20.

Robert Fenning, vice president for administration and finance, explained that this is a capital project funded through maintenance reserves, which have supported the design and now the purchase and installation of the fixtures. "This is not being financed by operating funds," he noted. "These new light fixtures are part of a number of repairs and other facility-related projects which address deferred maintenance and code compliance issues."

The new metal halide light fixtures will replace the old high-pressure sodium lights. The exterior color of the new, stylish fixtures will be black to match the existing poles and be more consistent with the architectural character of campus buildings, Tola said. The fixtures will be the same ones used in the University Village.

Timetables for the next two phases of the project will be announced after funding becomes available. Phase II will provide for the installation of new lights on walkways bounded by 43rd and 49th streets, and Elkhorn Avenue and the west end of the campus. Phase III will provide new fixtures on walkways located between 49th Street and Bolling Avenue, and Bluestone Avenue and Hampton Boulevard.

The overall project will include the replacement of approximately 350 light fixtures at a total cost of $500,000, Tola said. The replacement of light fixtures in parking lots is not part of the project.