Glow-in-the-dark line markings are now being 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, said Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
TfNSW said 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 is 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.
Earlier this week, a truck driver died on the same stretch of road after his truck broke through a guardrail on a hairpin bend and landed at the bottom of an embankment.
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.
TfNSW said rigorous testing of glow roads has been undertaken at TfNSW’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.
Victoria has had similar road markings in place on some regional roads since 2022.
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