Glow-in-the-dark line markings will be trialled on Bulli Pass, south of Sydney, before being assessed for a wider rollout in New South Wales.
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.
The hairpin turn on Bulli Pass will be the first place in the state to get the glow treatment.
The location was chosen after a spike in near-miss incidents between 9pm and 4am, with 125 near-misses recorded in the year to June 30.
Bulli Pass is heavily used by large trucks and motorcycles and the new line markings will be installed part way down the steep descent to increase awareness of the sharp bend. A glow sign will also be installed.
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.
NSW Transport conducted rigorous testing of glow roads at its Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre in Cudal to ensure the glow-in-the-dark markings were suitable for all Australian conditions.
Related stories:
- Victoria trials LED tactile paving, glow-in-the-dark line marking to boost road safety
- Transport for NSW investigates driverless ride share services
- Transport for NSW announces new nine year road maintenance contracts
Different modes of transport including A car, truck, motorbike and bicycle were put through their paces navigating the controlled ‘glow’ course.
Skid testing was also undertaken to check Glow Roads’ had the same level of slip resistance as current line markings.
Victoria also tested glow-in-the-dark markings in 2022 but decided not to move forward with the rollout.
Five rural roads, including Metong Road in Victoria’s southeast, were illuminated under the trial, conducted by Gippsland company Tarmac Linemarking in collaboration with OmniGrip and VicRoads.
NSW Roads Minister John Graham said Bulli Pass has had a rising number of near misses — particularly at night.
“Using Glow Roads to improve driving conditions will help the thousands of motorists who rely on this busy route,” he said.
“Being able to see the shape of the road ahead is critical to safe driving and that’s what Glow Roads do.
“Data shows around a third of fatal crashes in NSW happen at night. If this trial is deemed a success, we will look at its application on other locations with a history of crashes or near-misses where better visibility is needed.”
Jenny Aitchison, Regional Transport and Roads Minister said 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,” she said.
“Locals know this road — and others like it across the state — can have visibility plummet in seconds when fog or a storm rolls in, and I’m excited to see how this innovation performs in those conditions, too.
“This initiative offers an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution on regional roads with limited or non-existent street lighting.”
For more information,https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/
.png){kind=small}
