Lighting Up the Linear Park

Let there be light! King of Prussia District, in partnership with Upper Merion Township, is installing 82 additional solar-powered LED pedestrian lights and bollards along First Avenue Linear Park.

This lighting project includes 16 light bollards and 66 lights on 12-foot poles.  It is the final step in completing a continuous multimodal trail along First Avenue in Moore Park that extends from Allendale Road to N. Gulph Road.

The pedestrian lights are programmed to illuminate the path from dusk through dawn. First Light Technologies manufacturers the solar light fixtures using an innovative controller that is “self-learning.” The lamp adapts to the surrounding environment and solar reserve to provide lighting throughout the evening, even on long winter nights.

Similar to the Phase One installation, the new pedestrian lights are spaced approximately 50 feet apart, with additional lights placed adjacent to bus shelters. Three foot tall bollards will be placed on the new concrete boardwalk near American Avenue. An important consideration in choosing the light fixture was the impact on the surrounding environment. These lights follow many of the International Dark Sky guidelines for reducing light pollution, including:

• Full cut-off shielding that directs light down on the path instead of up, or to, the side.
• The lamp emits a warm light at a color temperature of 3000K that is better for human health and wildlife than blue light at a higher, color temperature on the spectrum.
• The LED lamps are energy efficient and dimmable. The lights are set to reduce by 30% in the early morning hours, increasing to 100% one hour before dawn.
• A high-performance lithium battery, charged by an integrated solar panel, is used so that no electricity is consumed from the grid.

Once the project is advertised for bid, eligible contractors can download information and submit price proposals. Construction is expected to start as soon as a qualified contractor is selected. This project is made possible with funding from King of Prussia District and a Montco 2040 Implementation grant.