Neon has long been part of the experience of driving along historic Route 66 through Albuquerque, New Mexico. Displayed sporadically along the road through the city, a two-sided archway and seven Route 66 signposts echo the art deco design and architecture that is characteristic of Albuquerque’s Old Town area.
But the bright light of neon had a downside: every few months, it would fail. Just as one sign was repaired, another would fail. It became a never-ending cycle.
The city was looking to retain the look of neon, while reducing energy costs and costly repairs. Leading the project for the city were Tony Gurule, Energy and Sustainability Program Manager, and Saif Ismail, Energy Specialist Program Manager. They looked to RKL Sales, a lighting manufacturers’ representative, for guidance.
Project Name: Route 66 Gateway Archways
Location: Alburquerque, NM
Lighting Designer: RKL Sales Corp
Plexineon Surface Dynamic Color
Factory Bendable Surface Mount 24V System
RGB, RGBW, Pixel Control
