Students and residents can expect Garden Road to become brighter at night, thanks to a cooperative effort between DeKalb and NIU.

NIU donated light poles which will soon be installed by the city around Barsema Hall, City Manager Mark Biernacki said.

Each light pole has a value of about $7,500, City Engineer Joel Maurer said. They are similar in style to the lights already on Garden Road.

After some weather-related delays, the project’s completion is within sight.

“All of the bad weather we have had recently has pushed the install back,” Biernacki said.

They hope to have the project completed by the first of March.

Sixth Ward Alderman David Baker has been involved with the Garden Road lighting project for about three years. He said lighting has been an issue in that area ever since Barsema Hall opened.

“It is dark and not safe over there,” Baker said. “Getting upgrades to the lighting infrastructure around the city has been a goal of mine.”

Adam M. Novotney, director of governmental affairs for the Student Association said that the improvements are greatly needed and appreciated.