New street lighting is being installed around the city this year with Nile Street upgraded last weekend.
The new, modern, street lights feature white LED lights which make it easier to distinguish commuters’ clothing and reduce power wattage. The Nelson City Council say the lights are also longer lasting and require less maintenance than the old ones.
A council spokesperson says a study was carried out to find out which streets had the most need for better lighting.
“NZTA funding was available to improve light levels on streets which are used by active transport (walking and cycling) and general vehicle users. A study was carried out to establish high priority streets which meets this criteria, especially where there is active commuting.”
The Nile Street stretch of road previously had older style lights installed but light levels were poor.
Last year, improvements were made to St Vincent St from Halifax St to Totara St; Vanguard St from Hardy St to Rutherford St; Main Road Stoke from Dryden St to Saxton Rd.
After Nile Street is complete council say they will continue to upgrade lights in the city. The Annesbrook roundabout bicycle bypass is currently being upgraded and Tasman St to Trafalgar Square is next on the list. Arthur Cotton Bridge underpass on Waimea Road is also having new lights installed.
Council say Heritage style poles will be used on Nile Street between Collingwood Street and Trafalgar Square which will be installed by late June. Funding for these poles, which will differ from the other galvanised poles, has been provided by the Civic Trust and Beautiful Nelson Trust.
