The Washington, DC Smart Street Lighting Project, led by developer Plenary Infrastructure DC (PIDC) with design, procurement, and installation managed by OPTERRA Energy Services (OPTERRA) in collaboration with Acuity Brands Lighting and other key contributors, represents an ambitious and large-scale urban lighting upgrade. Designed to enhance public safety, improve energy efficiency, and preserve the historic aesthetic of the nation’s capital, this project transformed over 75,000 streetlights into a state-of-the-art, smart-controlled network. More than just a technical achievement, this initiative has delivered tangible benefits to the area, encouraging safer streets and a stronger sense of community for residents and visitors alike.
The project sought to address several key challenges, including outdated lighting technology, inconsistent illumination levels, and excessive energy consumption. The project objectives included:
- Implementing high-performance LED lighting to improve visibility and reduce energy usage.
- Enhancing public safety by providing uniform, well-distributed lighting across neighborhoods, major roadways, and pedestrian trails.
- Preserving the architectural integrity of Washington, DC’s historic areas with aesthetically appropriate lighting solutions.
- Ensuring compliance with Dark Sky guidelines to minimize light pollution while maintaining safety.
- Integrating advanced controls for remote monitoring, adaptive lighting, and predictive maintenance.
Unprecedented Technical Challenges and Solutions
From the beginning, the project faced stringent technical requirements from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). The specifications included strict lumen-per-watt thresholds, color temperature mandates (2700K–3000K), and high Color Rendering Index (CRI) levels, all while maintaining Dark Sky compliance. These requirements pushed the industry to develop customized solutions beyond standard commercial offerings.
Acuity Brands played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges, working closely with OPTERRA to design and test bespoke luminaires that met these rigorous standards, while preserving the city’s architectural integrity. Esplanade® teardrops (3,800 fixtures) by Holophane® are installed all through city intersections and roadways, while Cyclone Orillia post-top lanterns were placed along the Klingle Valley Trail – both chosen for their aesthetic appeal and high-quality illumination.
Holophane Sign-Vue® II was used to provide clear and energy-efficient signage illumination, while Holophane HMLED4 high mast fixtures were installed along major highway interchanges. The Holophane TunnelPass™ luminaires were essential for tunnel and underpass lighting, ensuring consistent illumination for safety and visibility, including along K Street below Whitehurst Freeway.
Holophane Petrolux® EMX linear fixtures are installed in L'Enfant Plaza, a retail / mixed commercial space to illuminate the ramps, alongside the Holophane TunnelPass to light the roadway and parking beneath the plaza. Cyclone Domia pendants, mounted on custom-designed shepherd’s crook arms, enhanced the Metropolitan Branch Trail and Rock Creek Trail, providing both aesthetics and functionality.
Enhancing Public Safety and Community Experience
One of the most significant impacts of the project has been the enhancement of public safety. Residents have reported feeling safer walking at night due to the improved uniformity and brightness of the new LED fixtures. By eliminating dark spots and harsh glare, the project has created a more secure nighttime environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
Particularly notable was the transformation of K Street below the Whitehurst Freeway and the Metro Branch Trail bike and walking path, where Holophane TunnelPass and Cyclone Domia fixtures revitalized these spaces, encouraging safer nighttime activity and community engagement. The Klingle Valley Trail became a standout example of aesthetic and functional lighting with the Cyclone Orillia post-top lanterns, designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing environment.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Beyond safety and aesthetics, sustainability was a driving force behind the project. The new lighting system has significantly reduced energy consumption, aligning with the city’s long-term climate goals. Advanced control systems allow for adaptive dimming based on real-time conditions, further optimizing energy use while maintaining visibility.
One of the unexpected outcomes of the project was its contribution to reducing light pollution. By adhering to Dark Sky principles, the lighting overhaul has allowed residents to experience clearer night skies.
A particularly memorable moment came when a resident shared that he and his son had finally been able to use their telescope in their own yard to see stars at night – something they had never experienced in the district before.
This simple experience reflected the broader goals of the effort: not just replacing fixtures, but reshaping the way lighting defines the urban environment. The improvements in light quality have transformed streetscapes into spaces that feel both welcoming and secure after dark.
Seamless Collaboration and Key Takeaways
Executing a project of this magnitude required seamless coordination among numerous stakeholders. OPTERRA led weekly technical meetings with Acuity Brands, DDOT, and other collaborators to maintain a highly organized process from concept to completion. The use of QR-coded fixtures and real-time tracking software played a critical role in quality control, minimizing errors and ensuring the right lights were installed in the correct locations.
Moreover, this project has set a precedent for future urban lighting initiatives. Lessons learned, such as the importance of factory-level driver configuration and on-site testing, have been shared with other cities considering similar upgrades. The Washington, DC project has become a model for municipalities looking to balance historic preservation, modern technology, and community well-being.
A Lasting Impact
More than just a lighting upgrade, this project has reshaped the way Washington, DC, experiences its urban spaces at night. Residents have embraced the improved illumination, with many expressing gratitude for how the changes have enhanced both safety and quality of life. City officials have acknowledged the project as a benchmark in urban infrastructure modernization, and other municipalities are looking to DC as a leader in smart lighting implementation.
By prioritizing sustainability, safety, and community-driven design, the Washington, DC Smart Street Lighting Project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful urban planning. It’s a shining example of how quality lighting can help transform a city.
D.C. Street Light Project
Location: Washington, D.C.
Specifier: OPTERRA Energy Services (OPTERRA)
Brands: Cyclone, Holophane®
Photographer: Willis Weese / Clarence Butts
