Retrofitting Existing Roads: Challenges and Opportunities

As infrastructure ages, the need for smarter, more efficient solutions becomes urgent. Road lighting systems installed decades ago — often using outdated high-pressure sodium or fluorescent technology — no longer meet modern standards of safety, energy efficiency, or aesthetics. But rather than replacing entire systems from scratch, retrofitting offers a powerful, cost-effective alternative that brings old roads into the future.

The Hidden Cost of Outdated Lighting

Many road networks today still operate with legacy lighting infrastructure that:

• Consumes excessive electricity

• Requires frequent maintenance

• Produces uneven, low-quality lighting

• Poses safety risks for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists

The result? Higher municipal spending, increased accident rates, and neighborhoods that feel unsafe after dark.

Why Retrofitting Is More Than Just Replacement

Retrofitting isn’t about simply swapping light fixtures. It’s about re-engineering a smarter solution within the constraints of an existing system. This involves:

• Assessing pole spacing and structural condition

• Evaluating wiring, power supply, and ground stability

• Designing optimized optics to reduce glare and improve visibility

• Ensuring compliance with international lighting standards (e.g., EN13201, IESNA)

This process often requires more precision and planning than new installations — but the long-term rewards are significant.

Opportunities in Solar and LED Upgrades

Modern LED and solar-powered lighting systems offer:

• Up to 70% energy savings

• Long lifespans (50,000+ hours) with minimal maintenance

• Smart controls and dimming for time-based or sensor-triggered operation

• Options for off-grid deployment where infrastructure is weak or missing

With the right design, these systems can be installed using existing poles, conduits, and even foundations — saving both time and budget.

BELS Group’s Retrofitting Advantage

At BELS Group, we specialize in large-scale retrofitting projects across highways, urban areas, and regional roads. Our capabilities include:

• Full energy audits to assess current performance and future savings

• Detailed lighting simulations using industry-leading software

• Customized retrofit kits tailored to each site’s constraints

• Project execution with minimal traffic disruption

• Lifecycle management and performance monitoring post-installation

All our retrofit solutions are aligned with international lighting and safety standards and are designed to deliver both immediate impact and long-term value.

Lighting the Past Into the Future

Retrofitting is not a compromise — it’s a strategic upgrade. It’s how cities and nations can transform outdated infrastructure into modern, smart, and sustainable systems — without the burden of full reconstruction.

At BELS, we help decision-makers see the bigger picture: that modern lighting is not just a utility — it's an investment in safety, efficiency, and public trust.