NEW YORK - The Port Authority Tuesday announced that it has completed the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting on the iconic necklace of the George Washington Bridge, the world’s busiest bridge.  This is the first bridge of its kind in the metropolitan region to have a full strand of LED lighting. 

The necklace lighting is now lit by 156 light- emitting diode (LED) fixtures replacing the mercury vapor fixtures. LED lighting distributes light more efficiently and requires less energy.

The LED fixtures have an estimated life expectancy of 60,000 hours or 15 years compared to one year for the existing lighting.  The use of LED lighting on the bridge will produce an estimated annual energy and maintenance savings of $49,000.  An annual carbon dioxide emissions reduction of approximately 220, 000 pounds is expected with the use of the new system.