Work begins to light up S.A.

City of San Antonio officials have allotted $6 million for a program focused on boosting public safety by lighting up dark areas in residential neighborhoods.

The program, which was included in the 2022 city budget, will install or fix light poles in areas where there is insufficient lighting per city code.

Officials conducted a gap analysis of nearly 3,200 miles of residential streets throughout San Antonio to determine where lights are needed, Development Services Department spokeswoman Ximena Copa-wiggins said.

San Antonio city code says lights should be installed at city street intersections, along midblock of city streets, where there is a gap greater than 600 feet between existing streetlights, where there is a significant street curve, and at the end of cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets.

Officials identified about 4,300 lights that need to be installed, either by fixing existing poles or installing new ones.

The city has prioritized light installation in highcrime areas, school zones, high-crash areas and VIA Metropolitan Transit bus routes. Also, homeowners can request that a light be installed on their street.

“Lighting always increases safety,” Copawiggins said. “It is something that needed to be done.”

So far, the city and CPS Energy have installed 21 lights throughout the city. District 2 has the highest number of installations with 11.

They have started by fixing several existing poles, where it is cheaper and faster to accomplish because the infrastructure is in place, Copawiggins said. To install new lights and poles, the city must obtain easements from the residents at such locations before starting.

Based on the study, District 10 has the greatest need for light installation; 785 new lights and poles need to be installed, while 20 existing poles need to be fixed.