Virginia Tech Transportation Institute will soon test smart city lighting technologies in the Town of Blacksburg.
Street lights will be equipped with radar sensors on Harding Avenue between Patrick Henry Drive and Owens Street. These radar sensors will dim and brighten the street lights based on the presence of pedestrians, vehicles, bicyclists, and other road users. The system will never turn the lights off and dimming will be at a level that will not be easy to notice.
Streetlights will be dimmed only when testing is being conducted, which is expected to last for up to one week in October and November of 2021. During other times, the lights will be on at full intensity.
Any questions or concerns about the research may be directed to Rajaram Bhagavathula, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 540-231-5209, rbhagavathula@vtti.vt.edu. Any questions or concerns for the Town of Blacksburg may be sent to Chris Lawrence, Deputy Town Manager, Town of Blacksburg, 540-443-1005, or clawrence@blacksburg.gov.
