Updated 2/26/2026: Construction of the Street Lighting Initiative is beginning the week of March 16, 2026, starting on Robinson Street. Residents should expect periodic lane and sidewalk closures as foundation work and electrical installation move into implementation. Overall completion is anticipated by September 30, 2026. See details below.
Street Lighting Initiative – Decision
The City of West Lafayette’s Development Department is excited to share an update on the Street Lighting Initiative, a project aimed at improving visibility, safety, and neighborhood character through new, community-informed lighting designs.
On October 15, 2025, the Department released the Street Lighting Initiative Request for Proposals (RFP) at the West Lafayette Redevelopment Commission meeting. The RFP was developed with guidance from our selected engineering partner, VS Engineering, and shaped by valuable feedback from neighborhood residents. You can view the full RFP at westlafayette.in.gov/services/bid-opportunities
Latest Updates
February 2026 – Construction Phase Beginning
Construction coordination for the Street Lighting Initiative is complete. The contractor has finalized pre-construction planning with the City of West Lafayette and project partners, and the project is moving into its implementation phase.
Foundation work is anticipated to begin the week of March 16, 2026, with Robinson Street serving as the first installation corridor. Installation along Indian Trail Drive will follow completion of initial work on Robinson Street under the same construction contract.
Utility coordination and underground staking activities are currently underway. At this time, no known utility conflicts have been identified.
Material deliveries are scheduled throughout the spring, with overall project completion anticipated by September 30, 2026.
Each corridor is expected to require approximately four weeks of active construction, including foundation installation, directional boring, and electrical tie-ins.
Residents should expect periodic lane and sidewalk closures during construction. All closures will be coordinated through the Board of Works approval process.
Sign up for road closure notifications here
Bi-weekly construction coordination meetings will continue throughout the project to maintain the schedule and minimize neighborhood impacts.
For questions or concerns, please contact West Lafayette’s Owner’s Representative:
Levi Evans –levi@berepco.com
Community Input
This initiative was built from the ground up with neighborhood voices. In August 2025, only residents living along Robinson Street and Indian Trail Drive were invited to participate in targeted surveys to help guide decisions on lighting type, fixture design, and color temperature.
The surveys were open August 18 – September 1 with links distributed exclusively to these neighborhoods through door-to-door flyers and tailored Nextdoor posts.
On Robinson Street, a strong majority (70%) favored upgraded pendant-style lights with expanded coverage, and 52% preferred a neutral light temperature.
On Indian Trail Drive, 53% supported expanded pendant lighting, while 54% preferred a warmer light to maintain neighborhood character
This data-driven and locally informed approach ensures that lighting improvements reflect the unique context and preferences of each corridor.
Timeline & Next Steps
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- August–September 2025: Community surveys conducted via targeted neighborhood outreach.
- October 2025: RFP released with community-informed specifications; proposals invited from qualified lighting contractors.
- Winter 2025-Early 2026: Vendor selected, engineering design refinements completed, and construction coordination finalized with City staff and project partners.
- March 2026: Foundation work anticipated to begin the week of March 16, with Robinson Street serving as the first installation corridor.
- Spring–Summer 2026: Active construction on Robinson Street followed by Indian Trail Drive, including foundations, directional boring, and electrical tie-ins. Periodic lane and sidewalk closures will occur during this phase.
- September 30, 2026: Anticipated project completion.
Why We’re Moving Forward
Lighting plays a powerful role in how our neighborhoods feel after dark, impacting walkability, safety, and sense of place. Through this initiative, West Lafayette is investing in lighting that enhances visibility and comfort while being energy-efficient, context-sensitive, and respectful of neighborhood aesthetics.
This report provides a transparent look at the community feedback and technical considerations that informed the City’s decisions on fixture type, coverage, and implementation. Together, these next steps mark continued progress toward a safer, more connected, and welcoming West Lafayette.