United States Department of Transportation
i
Ecological Design Rules for Roadway Lighting [Factsheet]
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2022-02-10
[PDF-774.25 KB]
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Edition:Ohio Department of Transportation Research Project Fact Sheet
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Abstract:Artificial lighting at night alters natural patterns of light and dark in ecosystems and includes chronic or periodic illumination, unexpected changes in lighting, and direct glare that can have serious implications for ecological systems, such that it is increasingly referred to as “ecological light pollution”. ALAN occurs at an extent and magnitude so great that it can be regarded as a significant perturbation to the Earth system and a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem function. However, current knowledge relative to the ecological impacts of ALAN is extremely limited, but critical in order to design appropriate best management practices (BMPs) for ecologically sensitive areas, such as riparian areas along roads and bridges over waterways. This is especially critical for Ohio, a highly populated state with expansive roadway infrastructure (e.g., 262,350 total lane miles). To address this challenge, we conducted a comprehensive literature search on the ecological impacts of ALAN and roadway lighting, coupled with field studies aimed at quantifying the effects of roadway lighting on wildlife and sensitive aquatic and riparian ecosystems. Our research was conducted in the Columbus Metropolitan Area (CMA), Ohio. From this information, we developed a series of recommendations to be used to guide roadway lighting designs that minimize ecological impacts from ALAN.
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