In a bid to improve nighttime road safety, glow-in-the-dark line markings will be trialled on Bulli Pass, before potentially being rolled out across New South Wales.

The photoluminescent markings absorb sunlight during the day and glow at night, offering improved visibility of road lines and curves, particularly in low-light and adverse weather conditions.

The steep hairpin turn on Bulli Pass, a known hotspot for near-miss incidents, has been chosen as the state’s first test site. The decision follows a concerning spike in nighttime near-misses, with 125 incidents recorded between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. in the year to June 30. The trial aims to make the descent safer for the heavy trucks and motorcycles that frequently use the route.

A “Bright Idea” for Safer Roads

Minister for Roads, John Graham, praised the innovation:

“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 successful, we’ll consider applying Glow Roads to other locations with crash histories where better visibility is needed.”

The six-month trial will include not just the glowing line markings but also a luminescent sign to increase awareness of the hairpin bend. The trial's effectiveness will be assessed using collected data and customer feedback.

Tested for Australian Conditions

Transport for NSW conducted extensive testing at its Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre in Cudal. The new markings underwent skid resistance checks and tests with cars, trucks, motorbikes, and bicycles to ensure their suitability for Australian roads.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray explained the origin of the concept:

“Glow Roads is the brainchild of one of our transformation teams, pitched during an in-house innovation challenge. Improving road safety is a massive priority for us, so we jumped on the opportunity to put this 'bright idea' to the test.”

A Solution for Regional Roads

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, highlighted the innovation's potential benefits for rural areas:

“Many regional and rural roads lack street lighting, and visibility can plummet when fog or storms roll in. Glow Roads offer an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly alternative for these challenging locations.”

If the trial proves successful, the glowing line markings could become a new safety standard across NSW, potentially saving lives on roads with limited lighting and high crash rates.