The switch has been flipped on! The K Street Tunnel Lighting Improvement project is finished! This project converted existing fluorescent and metal halide (old style) luminaires to Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and incorporated color LEDs to improve the functional lighting of the tunnel and the aesthetic of the tunnel ceiling. The effect is quite moody in person, with a colorful glow filling the tunnel.
With these improvements, the City will reduce the energy consumption by 26,280 kilowatts per hour, which in simple terms means a cost savings of more than $5,200 annually, for this stretch of tunnel alone. These lights will last more than 10 years, thereby reducing the replacement costs by more than $20,000 over the product life.
In addition to improving the lighting in the tunnel, the City also improved the appearance of the tunnel by cleaning the floor, ceiling, walls, and light fixtures. The glow is visible as pedestrians walk up to the tunnel on either end, and definitely adds a brilliant pop of color. The landscape area adjacent to the City parking garage was also spruced up and revitalized. Kudos to the Public Works Department for getting the job done. If you’re in the area, be sure to swing by the tunnel and check it out for yourself.
