Street Lights

The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) frequently receives requests for information about street lighting. The Street Lighting Section of the Department's Division of Traffic is responsible for installation in both developed and new areas, as well as repairs.

Installation in Developed Areas

Requests for street lighting in developed areas of the County are investigated. Depending on the size of the area, it generally takes 30 to 60 days to perform a lighting needs study. If improvements are warranted due to documented safety problems (traffic accidents, pedestrian activity, etc.), the County bears the cost of such installations. Where there is no documented safety problem but street lighting improvements are warranted, the homeowners will be requested to pay the installation or conversion cost; the annual electrical energy and maintenance costs will be borne by the County. Once a lighting project is implemented it generally takes one to two years to complete.

The County does not consider street lighting requests for:

• State maintained highways
• Streets maintained by an incorporated town or municipality
• Private streets

Requests for new or improved street lights should be directed to our Roadway Lighting Section at (301) 883-5650.

Street Light Repairs

Once street lights are installed, they are maintained by the utility companies. As a result, burned-out or damaged street lights should be reported to the utility company serving the area. This is usually the same company serving your home with electricity.

Be prepared to provide specific information: (e.g. in front of ___________; across the street from ____________; wood or metal pole, overhead or below ground service, etc.). The utility companies prefer that residents report street light problems directly to their offices since residents are in a better position to provide necessary information. See the list of phone numbers below. Most repairs are performed within 72 hours of notifying the utility company.

Utility Companies and Phone Numbers

The telephone numbers of the three utility companies serving Prince George's County are noted below.