Chapter 14 - Lighting

This chapter provides information on the various procedures and policies required for lighting future new construction and reconstruction projects and permitted lighting features on the state highway system in Georgia.  It is not intended that existing lighting systems be modified as a result of the criteria outlined in this policy.

GDOT has adopted the current edition of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) policy Roadway Lighting Design Guide for the state of Georgia.  The remainder of this policy document will address items not included in the AASHTO guide or provide clarification or emphasis on included items.

There are many reference publications that are available to the lighting designer, including but not limited to: AASHTO, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) provide the most engineering information and knowledge in their handbooks and guides with regard to lighting design. 

Standard definitions of terms for lighting can be found in the AASHTO design guide.  Refer to the References section of this manual for details on how to obtain these and other lighting reference publications.

14.1. General Considerations

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is generally responsible for providing lighting on state highways for the following purposes:

• roadway (corridor, and intersection/roundabouts)
• interchange
• tunnel (roadway, and pedestrian/multi use)
• underpass
• pedestrian (sidewalks, multi use paths, and streetscape)
• parking Facilities (welcome centers, rest areas, truck weigh stations, and park and ride lots)
• aesthetics (enhancement projects, bridges, etc.)
• sign structures – illumination of sign structures will be handled by the GDOT Office of Traffic Safety and Design and is not addressed in this document.