Innovation plays a crucial role in ensuring road safety. That’s why the Public Works Department in Eastern Victoria is testing a captivating new technology – roads that glow in the dark. Crafted with the aim of improving visibility and minimizing accidents, these roads possess the capacity to bring about a significant transformation to our highways while safeguarding wildlife in the process.

Tarmac Linemarking, in partnership with OmniGrip Direct and VicRoads, has successfully implemented photoluminescent line-markings along a section of Metung Road. These markings have the remarkable ability to capture sunlight during the day and release it at night, providing a luminous pathway even without the need for street lighting. This technology is designed to enhance road safety, particularly in areas with insufficient lighting.

Even on cloudy days, the glow-in-the-dark roads maintain their visibility to the public thanks to the reflective white base of the markings. This project is an essential part of the $457 million Victorian Government Road Safety Program, led by the Department of Transport. With this initiative, we will carefully evaluate the cost efficiency and advantages of these markings, which will contribute to further enhancing road safety in the state.

John Emanuelli, the operations manager of Tarmac Linemarking, emphasizes the exciting possibilities of implementing these innovative glow-in-the-dark roads on popular routes like the Great Alpine Road, Falls Creek Road, Mitta Mitta, and Omeo Highway. This groundbreaking solution is not only limited to Victoria; similar trials have been conducted worldwide. For example, a highway southeast of Amsterdam has already been treated with photoluminescent powder.

Despite encountering some difficulties caused by rainfall in previous trials, Emanuelli confidently affirms the technology’s effectiveness in different weather conditions. Several other regions have shown keen interest in embracing these luminous roads, highlighting the increasing demand for this safer and environmentally friendly solution.

Witness the mesmerizing spectacle of a road illuminated by a radiant glow.Photo Credits: ABC News

Introducing glow-in-the-dark roads can bring about numerous advantages, particularly for rural regions that face a greater frequency of road accidents. Over the past year, there has been a significant rise of 30% in road accidents in rural Victoria. According to Long Truong, a Civil Engineering expert from La Trobe University, the use of photoluminescent markings can greatly enhance visibility in difficult road conditions, such as tight curves and areas with challenging road alignment. This groundbreaking solution eliminates the need for conventional road lighting infrastructure, resulting in significant cost savings.

This technology not only improves road safety, but also tackles the problem of light pollution. Lisa Palma, the chief executive for Wildlife Victoria, emphasizes the impact of excessive lighting on wildlife and the environment. Through the reduction of streetlights in remote and rural areas, glow-in-the-dark roads play a vital role in preserving natural habitats and promoting the well-being of nocturnal species.

At present, these cutting-edge roads are undergoing testing at different locations, such as Bendigo Creek Trail and Whittlesea-Kinglake Road. Through ongoing trials, it becomes clear that the implementation of illuminated roadways has the power to revolutionize our highways, guaranteeing enhanced safety during journeys and safeguarding our valuable wildlife.