Beginning in 2000 and continuing through 2004, the New York City Department of Transportation eliminated the old walk/don’t walk crosswalk signs and installed hand/walking man signs. The new signs use LED bulbs which are more energy efficient and longer lasting than the old incandescent bulbs.

Recently I’ve been noticing that many of these signs have burned out bulbs- particularly the green ones. Most LED’s have an expected lifespan of at least 10 years of continuous use. So why are so many burning out after at most 7 years of use (and they are only on about half the time)? And why isn’t the DOT replacing the bulbs?