El Paso Begins Installing 255 Solar Lights at Parks and Along Roadways

The City of El Paso has begun installing 255 solar-powered lights at parks and along roadways across the city.

The project includes 120 lights at city parks and 135 lights along roadway corridors and trails. The solar lighting is intended to expand lighting in areas where traditional electrical infrastructure or budget constraints can make installation difficult.

Park installation began this week and is tentatively scheduled for completion by the end of September. Work includes parks in all eight City Council districts, including Rio Valley Park, Modesto Gomez Park, Hawkins Park, Jim Crouch Park, Desert Sage Park, Veterans Park, Salvador Rivas Park, Walter Clarke Park and Reese McCord Park.

After the park installations are completed, crews will begin installing lights along roadways and trails. Listed locations include Northwestern Drive, South Copia Street, Edgemere Boulevard, Kenworthy Street, Bob Hope Drive, Castner Drive, East Cliff Drive, Rim Road and Hondo Pass Road.

Roadway installations are expected to be completed by early to mid-November, although schedules may change because of construction and logistical conditions.

The $2.1 million project is funded through Proposition C of the voter-approved 2022 Community Progress Bond and is part of the City’s Climate Action Plan. The project is a collaboration among the Streets and Maintenance Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and Climate, Sustainability, and Energy under Strategic and Legislative Affairs.

Because the lights do not require connection to the electrical grid, the city says they can provide lighting in areas where existing infrastructure is limited while supporting long-term operating savings.