Glow-in-the-Dark Roads: Making Your Nights Safer
In Eastern Victoria, the Public Works Department has taken a groundbreaking approach to improve road safety. They have introduced glow-in-the-dark roads on a trial basis, and experts are optimistic about its potential. These special roads, designed and installed by Tarmac Linemarking in collaboration with OmniGrip Direct and VicRoads, feature photoluminescent line markings that absorb sunlight during the day and emit the stored light at night, effectively illuminating roads that lack street lighting.
Even on cloudy days, the glow-in-the-dark markings remain visible to the public due to their reflective white base, which looks similar to regular road markings. This project is a significant part of the $457 million Victorian Government Road Safety Program, which aims to evaluate the cost efficiency and benefits of these markings for enhancing road safety.
John Emanuelli, the operations manager of Tarmac Linemarking, believes that many road sections in Victoria, like the Great Alpine Road, Falls Creek Road, Mitta Mitta, and Omeo Highway, could greatly benefit from glow-in-the-dark technology. Similar trials have already been conducted worldwide, with a glow-in-the-dark highway located southeast of Amsterdam using photoluminescent powder. The Department of Transport also conducted trials in 2014.
Although there were some inconsistencies observed during rainfall, Emanuelli remains confident about the technology’s effectiveness. He said, “I’ve visited the site multiple times in different weather conditions to assess its durability and brightness, and it’s working quite well. Many other municipalities have shown interest in implementing this technology for various applications. We have also discussed the possibility of expanding this project to other regions.”
Glow-in-the-dark roads have the potential to make a significant impact on rural Victorian roads, especially considering the recent surge of road accidents in the region. According to Long Truong, a Civil Engineering expert from La Trobe University, photoluminescent road markings can greatly enhance visibility in areas with complex road layouts, sharp curves, and directional changes. Truong explains, “Identifying critical locations where this technology can provide the highest benefit would make it a cost-effective solution as it eliminates the need for installing infrastructure for road lighting.”
Another crucial aspect of glow-in-the-dark roads is highlighted by Lisa Palma, the chief executive for Wildlife Victoria. She explains that reducing light pollution is crucial for protecting wildlife, as it can disrupt breeding cycles, expose nocturnal animals to predators, and impact bird migratory patterns. By eliminating the need for streetlights on remote and rural roads, glow-in-the-dark roads play a significant role in reducing light pollution and promoting safety for both humans and wildlife.
The effectiveness of this technology is being tested at various sites, including Bendigo Creek Trail and Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, with promising results.
