Glow-in-the-dark line markings will be trialled on Bulli Pass, south of Sydney, before being assessed for a wider rollout in NSW.
The photoluminescent painted markings absorb and store sunlight during the day and glow at night, helping drivers better see line markings and the shape of the road ahead.
Glow Roads are designed to improve night-time visibility, helping markings stand out in adverse weather, and provide a safe alternative at sites where street lighting is not practical.
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said the idea came from within the team.
“The Glow Roads is the brainchild of one of our transformation teams here at Transport who – trying to find a solution to boost safety at remote or isolated sites – pitched the idea at an in-house innovation challenge.
“Improving road safety is a massive priority for everyone across at Transport – so we jumped on the opportunity to put this ‘bright idea’ to the test.
“Before rolling ‘Glow Roads’ out on public roads, we tested the new line markings and glow paint under a range of conditions at our Future Mobility testing site to make sure it was ready for the next phase of the trial.”
The hairpin turn on Bulli Pass will be the first place in the state to get the glow treatment. There are more than a few dark and windy roads in the New England that would benefit from the treatment, if the trial is successful.
The trial will run for six months, after which data and customer insights will be reviewed to determine whether to extend the trial or implement the Glow Road technology on other parts of the state’s road network.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said she was excited to see how the innovation performs.
“Glow Roads is an exciting new alternative for areas where street lighting may not be practical – many of our regional and rural roads face this challenge.
“This initiative offers an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution on regional roads with limited or non-existent street lighting.”
Rigorous testing of glow roads has been undertaken at Transport’s Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre in Cudal to ensure the innovation is suitable for Australian conditions.
Different modes of transport were put through their paces, with a car, truck, motorbike and bicycle tackling the controlled ‘glow’ course. Skid testing was also undertaken to check Glow Roads’ had the same level of slip resistance as current line markings.
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