Street Lights

The general purpose of the Winston-Salem Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Street Lighting Program is to improve the visibility of the street system. The system includes sidewalks, traffic signs/markings, and the physical features of the roadway.

To report a street light outage or problem please visit the Duke Energy website or call Duke Energy at 800-769-3766.

The WSDOT uses high-pressure sodium lights for all new installations. These lights are twice as energy efficient as the previously used mercury vapor and metal halide lights. Street lights are installed based on roadway type and usage.

Roadway Types & Usages

Roadway TypeRoadway Usage
ExpresswayCommercial
Major CollectorIntermediate
LocalResidential
AlleyCommercial Only


Minimum Required Street Lighting

The minimum required street lighting in commercial, intermediate, and residential areas may differ in locations with special nighttime conditions, such as:

  • Documented high crime locations
  • Heavy vehicle traffic
  • High pedestrian use
  • Traffic accident problems

In existing business and industrial areas where all electrical utilities are underground, street lighting is usually installed with underground wiring. In developing business and industrial areas where all electrical utilities are planned to be underground, the City encourages the installation of metal or fiberglass poles with underground electrical service.

Two Types of Streetlights

The city uses two types of street lights.

  • Lumen Mercury Vapor (LMV), uses mercury vapor or metal halides (salts) that gives the street lights a bluish tint or glow. These lights are being replaced with High-Pressure Sodium (HPS).
  • HPS, uses sodium under high pressure to create a yellow or amber light. The high-pressure sodium lights are much more environmentally safe because they do not use dangerous toxic mercury or heavy metals. The streetlights are more economical by creating twice as much light for the same amount of electricity.