Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 180; Flight Crew Total 29000; Flight Crew Type 902
Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
Ground Event / Encounter Ground Equipment Issue
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Airport; Human Factors
I filed due to almost aborting takeoff on an ORD departure because we thought there was a barricade up partway down the runway. In reality; it was the LAHSO (Land and Hold Short Lights) for Runway 9C. Company contacted the Tower and talked about the dangers of having these lights on when the runway is being used for takeoff. They can be easily confused for a barrier on the runway if you are not expecting them. This can cause an early rotation or a rejected takeoff. In our case we did and aggressive rotation. It a perfect set up for an accident.My last flight I again took off from Runway 9C and as I was partway down the runway; I noticed the LAHSO lights were if fact on again during takeoff. Knowing that this was the LAHSO lights; I knew this was not a problem but my First Officers were a bit concerned as they had not seen these lights before. We don't need someone making an unnecessary high-speed abort. This is going to cause an accident and maybe get someone killed. These lights should never be on when we are taking off. It is very disconcerting to say the least. We notified tower that they had the lights on when they told us to go to departure frequency.
Air carrier Captain reported the Land and Hold Short lights at ORD for Runway 9C are distracting and can be mistaken for a barricade while taking off.