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UAE roads to have LED lights

Dubai - More than 26,300 light units will be changed in the first stage

All the federal roads extending over 710km across the UAE are to be powered by LED streetlights, according to a senior official with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.
The move is expected to prolong the lifetime of the lights used on all federal roads to over 10 years, said Mohammed Al Shenasi, Deputy Director of the Roads Affairs Department.
"The new LED light will also reduce power consumption by more than 50 per cent, and that will accordingly reduce carbon emissions by a significant level."
The promising project will be completed in two phases, he added. "More than 26,300 light units will be changed in the first stage that spans 500km of federal roads, and those will only consume 46MW every year."
The 4,510 light units on the remaining 210km of roads will be changed into LED-powered units in the second phase, Al Shenasi said. "These will consume only 12.3MW every year."
The project, being carried out in collaboration with the private sector, is meant to improve the performance of federal roads, and give a boost the sustainability system adopted by the ministry, he pointed out.
"The move will support the strategic plan of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, a critical pillar of the Emirates Vision 2021 and national agenda, and the country's position in the global competitiveness indicators, yet without additional financial burdens."
Eng Ahmed Al Hammadi, Manager of Roads Department, said the ministry has adopted strategic plans to ensure that the UAE federal roads remain on top of road networks worldwide in terms of quality and flow.
"As such, the ministry has launched the 'Masar' or 'Path' initiative in a bid to better monitor and serve federal roads here so that they remain the top federal road network worldwide in terms of quality."
The ministry will run at leasteight customised vehicles, driven by 14 quality controllers, to conduct daily monitoring and patrolling of federal roads to report any damage to asphalt layers, lighting systems, directional signs and safety requirements, he added.
"The ministry has allocated more than Dh150 million yearly for routine maintenance, protection and improvement of the federal road network and related infrastructure."
"The vehicles operating under the initiative will be connected with a smart e-system which will send data which will in turn enable the ministry to take prompt measures to maintain road quality."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com