Syracuse is on its way to becoming a brighter -- and smarter -- city.

Contractors began replacing all the street lights in the city with LED ones. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh says they save energy and money -- about $3 million a year.

The light poles will all have sensors, and they will all be connected in a network with Smart City technologies. He says this will make Syracuse the most connected city in the United States.

"Not only do we intend to compete in the new economy, we really intend to lead in the new economy," said Walsh. "This is just the first of many steps in that direction."

The replacements started in the valley in the Southern part of the city and will continue moving North. Walsh believes all the lights will be replaced by next year.

You can monitor the progress and see when crews will be moving to your neighborhood by visitng the city's web site.