AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – For Augusta drivers, it’s a first when it comes to streetlights.
“I think it’s amazing, I look forward to it,” said Brittany Dillander.
What you are looking at is a first for the city on this scale – a three-quarter of a mile stretch of Windsor Spring Road now equipped with solar powered streetlights.
“We tried them out on Windsor Spring. That was sort of a test case, we really liked them. The benefits obviously the cost of power. They should have less maintenance for at least the first 10 years or so,” said Augusta Traffic Engineer John Ussery.
Taxpayers are happy to hear about lower costs and maintenance.
“Yes, yes I am. I think it’s much more economical and over all much better,” said Kathy Griffin.
“It’s saving energy. Anything that is saving energy that’s going to help the city, I think is a good idea,” said Kevin White.
Augusta needs to save on streetlights. There’s a $2 million-dollar deficit in the streetlight fund that needs to be subsidized by the general fund.
“The solar lighting is one possible solution. That’s why we wanted to purchase some and get them in and see how they worked,” said Ussery.
Right now, they’re on Windsor Spring, but a lot more will be going in on Wrightsboro Road as part of that widening project.
“Solar is okay. I’m cheap, yeah, but solar is fine,” said Jo Williamson.
So when it comes to streetlights, the future is now on Windsor Spring Road.
