Glow-in-the-Dark Road Markings Trial to Boost Safety on NSW’s Bulli Pass

The New South Wales government is taking an innovative step to enhance road safety by introducing glow-in-the-dark line markings on Bulli Pass, a notoriously hazardous mountain road approximately 76 kilometers southeast of Sydney. The trial, which will last six months, aims to address the alarming rise in near-miss accidents on the steep, winding descent, particularly during nighttime hours.

Why Bulli Pass?

Bulli Pass was chosen as the trial site following a significant increase in near-miss incidents, with 125 near accidents recorded in the 12 months leading up to June 30, 2024. The hairpin turn partway down the mountain—frequented by thousands of motorists daily—will be outfitted with the photoluminescent road markings. These markings are designed to absorb and store sunlight during the day, allowing them to glow at night and improve visibility in low-light conditions.

The trial will focus on the hours between 9:00 pm and 4:00 am, when visibility is often poorest, to determine whether this safety measure can effectively reduce accidents.

A Statewide Approach to Nighttime Safety

Statistics show that around a third of fatal crashes in New South Wales occur at night, underscoring the need for innovative measures to enhance nighttime road safety. NSW Minister for Roads, John Graham, emphasized the importance of the trial:

“If this trial is deemed a success, we will look at the application on other locations with a history of crashes or near-misses where better visibility is needed.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, highlighted the practicality of glow-in-the-dark markings in areas where traditional street lighting isn’t feasible.

“Locals know this road and others like it across the state can have visibility plummet in a second when fog or a storm rolls in,” she said.

A National Innovation

This initiative follows a similar trial conducted by the Victorian government on regional roads in 2022, demonstrating a growing interest in photoluminescent technology across Australia.

What’s Next?

If successful, the trial could pave the way for glow-in-the-dark road markings to be implemented on other high-risk roads across the state. As Bulli Pass serves as a critical connection for both locals and visitors, improving safety on this stretch of road could set a new standard for nighttime driving conditions.

The NSW government’s proactive approach, combined with cutting-edge technology like Glow Roads, could save lives and prevent countless accidents on some of the state’s most dangerous routes.