LIGHTEN UP

New fixtures being installed on ECU’s mall

Fifty-three fixtures will be installed and existing lamp poles will get new lights in a project under way on the East Carolina University campus.

Long-lasting LED lighting will save energy and maintenance costs, while providing light to keep the campus safe at night.

Workers from Coastline Construction, the university’s electrical contractor for the project, began May 27 on the $448,000 project.

Safety fencing has been installed on the north side of the mall and along a pathway leading to the cupola in preparation for the work. Chancellor’s Way from Spilman Building to the Jenkins Fine Arts Center also will get new lighting as part of the project, said Michael Talton, project manager of ECU facilities, engineering and architectural services.

The fencing is necessary to cordon grassy strips where 53 holes will be drilled and concrete poured for light poles. “Because we have camps over the summer and the mall is such a popular, well-traveled space, we wanted to keep the area as safe as possible,” Talton said. “But there was no need to fence off the entire mall. It’s lighting in a line.”

The improvements are similar to LED fixtures that were installed last year on the pathway from Bate Building to Joyner Library, said William E. Bagnell, associate vice chancellor for campus operations. Workers also are adding frosting to some existing lamps to reduce glare.

It’s part of the university’s campus lighting master plan, Bagnell said, and a shift to LED lighting across campus.

“The general idea is to provide a safe environment across campus,” Talton said. “These types of fixtures are sustainably conserving and maintenance friendly.”

LED lights are energy efficient, less expensive to maintain and esthetically pleasing. “They go and go and go, and we don’t have to replace them as often,” Talton said. “It’s a nice light quality.”

No trees will be removed or impacted as part of the project, Talton said.

“There are two ways to put in wiring and cables. You can trench or bore. We chose to bore because it’s much less invasive, particularly with trees,” Talton said.

The project should be completed before fall classes begin Aug. 26 barring weather delays, Talton said.

Several areas on the campus mall have been fenced off to ensure safety while work is completed on the new lighting this summer.