Glow-in-the-dark line markings are being trialled on Bulli Pass, south of Sydney, before being assessed for a wider rollout in New South Wales.
The markings absorb and store sunlight during the day and glow at night, designed to help drivers better see line markings and the shape of the road ahead in dark conditions.
The hairpin turn on Bulli Pass is the first place in the state to receive these glowing line markings and was chosen following an increase in the number of near-miss incidents between 9pm and 4am.
125 near-misses were recorded in that area in the year to June 30.
According to NSW Minister for Roads, John Graham, the majority of these near-misses happen at night.
“Data shows around a third of fatal crashes in NSW happen at night,” he said.
“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.
“Bulli Pass has had a rising number of near-misses – particularly at night – so using Glow Roads to improve driving conditions will help the thousands of motorists who rely on this busy route.”
Bulli Pass is heavily used by large trucks and motorcycles, and the new line markings have been installed part way down the steep descent to increase awareness of the sharp bend.
A glow sign has also been 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 glowing technology on other parts of the state’s road network.
Rigorous testing of these glow roads has been undertaken at Transport for NSW’s Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre in Cudal, NSW, 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.
In other news, the Australian and New South Wales Governments are dedicating $10.4 million towards worth of road safety upgrades on Currawang Road.
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