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City launches public streetlight grid map and reiterates LED conversion plan; series circuits remain a constraint
Summary
DPW released a public streetlight grid map and provided an update on the LED conversion and circuit replacement program, saying many multiple‑circuit areas will be upgraded by end of 2026 while series circuits remain a longer‑term challenge.
The Department of Public Works unveiled a public streetlight map (milwaukee.gov/streetlights) and described a multi‑year LED conversion plan at the Public Works Committee meeting on Feb. 20.
City Engineer Kevin Muse explained the map’s color key: purple areas are either already LED or in contract for conversion; red areas are multiple circuits slated to be converted and targeted for completion around the end of 2026; green areas are series circuits that currently lack LED products rated for the higher voltages those circuits carry and therefore will not be converted in the near term.
Muse said the city used ARPA funds to procure materials for circuit replacements and to accelerate LED contracts. He discussed currently contracted circuit replacements and noted contractors proceed in winter to gain pricing and scheduling flexibility, though winter work has produced some service interruptions. Committee members raised concerns about outages lasting multiple days during winter; staff said average response times are 24–48 hours when outages surge but that crews are prioritizing reliability.
Muse said residents can use the new public map to search by address and see which circuit type feeds their block. "We finally have a map of the street lighting network to share with the public," he said, and staff will update it as new contracts are signed.
