LED Lamps

LED (light-emitting diode) traffic signals represent a different technology than traditional incandescent signal bulbs.

LEDs offer several advantages over incandescent bulbs:

• Seem brighter
• Last longer without replacement
• More efficient and durable
• Energy cost is less to operate
• Do not burn out, they become a failing light [i.e., LEDs often go out in parts, leaving part of the string of LEDs inside the traffic light operative and emitting lights], therefore the indication will not suddenly burn out.
• Replacing bulbs costs money and the replacement process inhibits traffic flow
• Safety of intersections is increased by fewer burned-out lights
• Less burned-out related calls/reports

The primary disadvantage of LEDs is that since they do not produce heat, snow may not melt if it accumulates on the visors.