The main purpose of street lighting is to assist drivers and pedestrians in finding their way in the dark. In the City of Beatrice in residential areas, the intent is not to illuminate the entire street, but to light the intersections. This hopefully assists drivers and pedestrians in reading street signs and finding their way. Lights are installed approximately every 300’ to 400’ feet. This is why, where there are longer blocks, you will sometimes see lights installed at a midpoint to try and keep a consistent look. On the state highways through town lights must be installed according to state guidelines for highway lighting. The City Electric Department is responsible for all the street lighting installation and repairs in the City limits. There are several ways to report lights that are not working properly. During normal working hours, you can call 228-5211 to report the specific location of the light and the type of issue you have observed. Outside of normal office hours, there is a dedicated number to report street light issues. That number is 228-5288.
The traffic lights in the City of Beatrice are mainly confined to the two state highways that traverse through town. The traffic lights on the state highways are maintained through a joint partnership with the State of Nebraska. The State is responsible for the programmable controllers that operate the lights and contain the timing sequences for the intersections. The City is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the external hardware and wiring that it takes to keep the intersections operating properly. There is also a traffic light at 19th and Lincoln which the City is completely responsible for. If you need to report issues with any of the intersections controlled by traffic lights this can be accomplished with the same phone numbers stated above. City personnel will determine whether the issue should be taken care of locally or if the State needs to be contacted.
Pat Feist
Electric Superintendent