New South Wales is taking a groundbreaking step towards improving road safety with the trial of glow-in-the-dark line markings. This innovative approach aims to enhance visibility for drivers navigating unlit or poorly lit roads, potentially setting a new standard for road safety across Australia.
Dylan Anderson
How Glow Roads Work
Glow-in-the-dark road markings are created using photoluminescent paint, which absorbs sunlight during the day and emits a glow at night. This allows drivers to see the road layout more clearly, particularly in conditions of low visibility such as fog, heavy rain, or areas without streetlights. The technology provides a sustainable and energy-efficient solution for improving night-time driving safety.
Why Bulli Pass?
The first trial site for Glow Roads in NSW is Bulli Pass, a notorious stretch of road south of Sydney known for its sharp turns and heavy truck traffic. The decision to trial the technology here follows an alarming increase in near-miss incidents, with 125 recorded between 9 PM and 4 AM in the past year alone.
Given its steep descent and challenging hairpin turns, Bulli Pass presents an ideal testing ground for the effectiveness of glow-in-the-dark road markings. A dedicated glow-in-the-dark sign will also be installed to further enhance driver awareness.
Dylan Anderson
Trial Duration and Assessment
The Glow Roads trial will run for six months, during which authorities will collect data on its impact on driver behavior and road safety. Transport for NSW will assess:
- The visibility and durability of the markings
- Driver feedback and overall experience
- Impact on accident and near-miss rates
- Suitability for expansion to other parts of the state
Should the trial prove successful, the NSW Government may consider implementing Glow Roads in other high-risk areas, particularly in regional and rural locations where street lighting is not feasible.
Dylan Anderson
Testing and Safety Assurance
Before being rolled out on public roads, Glow Roads technology underwent extensive testing at Transport for NSW’s Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre in Cudal. Vehicles including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles were tested under different conditions to ensure:
- The effectiveness of the glow markings in varying weather conditions
- Adequate slip resistance to prevent skidding
- Longevity of the paint’s glowing effect
Government Support for Glow Roads
Minister for Roads, John Graham:
“Line markings might not be the first thing we think about in terms of innovation, but this is a bright idea, and we are excited to trial its benefits.
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.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“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.
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.”
Dylan Anderson
Transport for NSW Secretary, Josh Murray:
“The Glow Roads idea came from one of our internal transformation teams who pitched it as part of an innovation challenge.
Improving road safety is a top priority, so we jumped on the opportunity to test this 'bright idea.'”
A Brighter Future for Road Safety
If Glow Roads prove effective, they could revolutionize night-time driving in NSW and beyond. This low-cost, energy-efficient solution offers a promising alternative to traditional street lighting, making roads safer for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Stay tuned for updates as NSW evaluates the success of Glow Roads and considers a broader rollout across the state.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
