Ongoing upgrades to the UPMC St. Margaret hospital campus near Aspinwall will boost safety for patients, staff and visitors, hospital leaders said.

A switch to LED lights in the parking areas is a key component of the project.

Work cost about $50,000 for 96 new lights in the parking and sidewalk areas. The bulbs are expected to improve visibility at night by creating a bright, evenly lit area, said Mark Sowers, engineering and facilities manager.

“LED lighting has better light distribution,” Sowers said. “Another advantage is that LED fixtures are more direct lighting, reducing light pollution for our neighbors.”

The switch to LED is expected to cut the hospital’s utility costs.

Electric use could drop by as much as 50%, providing an annual cost savings of about $4,000, he said.

“Not only does the change to LED lighting reduce the need for maintenance, there is also a sustainability gain from reducing our carbon footprint,” Sowers said.

LED lighting uses a fraction of the electricity needed to operate traditional lighting. Bulbs typically shine for about 50,000 hours, compared with the 14,000-hour life of a traditional bulb.

“This reduces the number of times our staff and contractors need to reach the fixtures, reducing risk for them,” Sowers said.

Other improvements at the Delafield Road site include American Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks, paved parking lots, new UPMC signs and a replacement canopy.

Work is being done in phases to minimize inconveniences for people who come to the hospital.

The first two phases were completed in the fall. About 20 lighting fixtures remain to be installed in the next two months.

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