PHOTO #1: A contractor crew replaces the bulb on a street light on Loop 463 near Main Street.
PHOTO #2: A worker replaces the bulb on a street light on Loop 463 near Main Street.
Residents who like to ride Loop 463, particularly at night, were likely pleased to see crews replacing lightbulbs last week. A recent payment from TxDOT allowed the City of Victoria Public Works to replace burned-out or outdated bulbs along the loop. Once the new LED lighting is fully operational, residents will enjoy greater safety and visibility.
How many light bulbs were replaced?
Workers changed out approximately 150 lights from Business 59 to Main Street. Some of the bulbs had gone out entirely, but others were simply older amber-colored high pressure sodium (HPS) lights that needed to be upgraded.
The total cost of the project was $125,000. The project was funded by a yearly reimbursement payment from TxDOT for the construction of the Loop 463 overpasses at Salem Road and Mockingbird Lane.
Is the City responsible for changing all the street lights in Victoria?
No. The City is responsible for the lights on Loop 463 and on Navarro Street north of Airline Road. All other lighting is maintained by AEP or Victoria Electric Co-op.
The City is not responsible for other types of maintenance on the Loop and Navarro.
Will the City replace the street lights in my neighborhood?
The City is developing a capital improvement plan that will outline major projects for the next five years. Public Works is proposing to replace old HPS lights throughout the City with new LED lights starting in fiscal year 2022. If the City Council approves the project, City staff will assess lighting throughout Victoria to determine which areas would benefit the most from the upgrades.
To tell us about improvements you’d like to see, fill out a project request form. To stay informed about current and upcoming projects, subscribe to The City View.
Sam Hankins is the communications specialist for the City of Victoria.