The city of Victorville, California, eventually will install new street lights along the Old Town area that will include old-fashioned, Route 66-influenced designs.
The Victorville Daily Press reports a study by the IDS Group, a consulting firm, will focus on two types of lighting that use energy-efficient and long-lasting LED technology.
Although the preliminary study would be based on the heavily trafficked D and Seventh Streets, ultimately the project area will include Sixth and Eighth Streets, as well from D Street to Forrest Avenue.
The design of the lighting would be in line with a revised plan for Old Town which the Council approved in November.
City Planner Scott Webb said the decorative gooseneck-shaped lights would contribute to “a sense of place and build on the Old Town image emphasizing Route 66.”
City Engineer Brian Gengler said new lights will replace Southern California Edison street lights in the area after the study is finished and bids are advertised.
“We have to light those areas that are dark, because a lot of people walk downtown at night not because they want to, but because they have to,” said council member Jim Cox.
Through surveys and other studies, Revive Our Old Town, or R.O.O.T., found street-lighting improvements are much-needed. The city has allocated $400,000 to the project.
The so-called “gooseneck” with the Route 66 shield seen above will be incorporated in both proposed designs. The ones along D Street (aka Route 66) will have two sources of light — one overhanging the street and the other illuminating the sidewalk.
(Detail image of the “gooseneck” street lighting being considered for Old Town area of Victorville, California)
That’s a good looking design. My small town installed some vintage style modern street lights some years back, and it really does add a great touch to the downtown area, day or night.
It will be the best lighted ghost town on Route 66 unless the city provides incentive for businesses to return to Old Town. There’s nobody walking downtown now night or day.