Traffic lights in Staunton are turning green in more ways than one.

The city of Staunton is just about finished with a three-year effort to replace incandescent bulbs in traffic lights with LED lights.

Thirty-seven out of the 47 traffic-light intersections have made the switch and the energy savings are already showing.

In the last year, the city has cut its kilowatt usage by 50 percent. City officials also say the lights are saving Staunton money.

Staunton Traffic Engineering Superintendent Mark Holland says, "Within a couple of years, these things pay for themselves. They are expensive to replace compared to an incandescent light. Within a couple of years however, they have paid for themselves just in the energy costs."

Drivers will not see a difference in the dimness of the lights. If anything, officials say the lights are brighter.

They still have plans to change the remaining ten intersections to the new lights.