The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree isn't the only New York City landmark to get the LED treatment.

AP has the story on how the Brooklyn Bridge is getting its "necklace lights", the lights that trace its massive cables, replaced by LEDs that consume a lot less power.

Changing 160 lights on the landmark bridge, which turns 125 years old next year, is expected to cost $500,000. Other city bridges, which first got their lights in the early 1970s, could also get the modern makeover, officials said.

The switch from 100-watt mercury vapor lamps to 24-watt bulbs known as light-emitting diodes will not make the lights noticeably dimmer, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, typically last three times longer than the mercury lights, said Jonathan Wish, chief strategic officer at LED Dynamics, which is not affiliated with the city's project. Most mercury vapor lights endure for 24,000 hours, or about 1,000 days, before burning out, he said.

"Because of the longevity, they're not going to have to change these lights for years, and that will save maintenance costs on top of electricity," he said.

More Looks like the mayor's PLANYC 2030 is hitting its stride.

[via GoodCleanTech]