Smart Highways Light up Roads in the Netherlands

By Admin
In the Netherlands, a new technology is set to hit the roads to make the lives of drivers a lot safer—roads that will feature glow-in-the-dark t...

 

In the Netherlands, a new technology is set to hit the roads to make the lives of drivers a lot safer—roads that will feature glow-in-the-dark tarmac and dynamic paint that will light up to warn drivers of weather conditions. After winning a Best Future Concept award at the Dutch Design Awards 2012, the technology is expected to be in use next year.

Designed by Studio Roosegaarde and Heijmans Infrastructure, the “Smart Highway” will include interactive lighting and an induction priority lane for electric vehicles, using light, energy and road signs that automatically adapt to varying traffic conditions. The pathways will be charged by solar power during the day, allowing them to illuminate the road by night.

The 'dynamic paint' used will respond to changes in temperature. Ice crystals will appear when road conditions are extra icy or slippery, for instance.

SEE OTHER TOP STORIES IN THE ENERGY DIGITAL CONTENT NETWORK

Solar Roadways: Infrastructure of the Future

India set to replicate its IT sectors success in solar energy

Read more in Energy Digital's October Issue

“Research on smart transportation systems and smart roads has existed for over 30 years — call any transportation and infrastructure specialist and you’ll find out yourself,” Studio Roosegaarde communications partner Emina Sendijarevic told Wired.co.uk. “What’s lacking is the implementation of those innovations and making those innovations intuitive and valuable to the end-consumers — drivers. For this, a mentality change needs to take place within a country and its people.”

 

DOWNLOAD THE ENERGY DIGITAL IPAD APP

 

Share

Featured Articles

Honeywell debunks hydrogen energy and its global challenges

Maya Gomez, Director of Green H2 CCM at Honeywell, uncovers the different types of hydrogen and the challenges of applying them for more sustainable energy

ABB Motion & WindESCo partner to strengthen wind energy

ABB Motion invests in WindESCo to sustain wind turbine performance, in a renewable energy drive that will help ABB in its net zero ambitions

Shell Energy UK and Germany acquired by Octopus Energy

Octopus delivers industry leading service whilst investing in clean energy systems — we will deliver this to the new customers too, says CEO Greg Jackson

Sustainability LIVE links to energy and electrification

Sustainability

Green energy: A hot topic at Sustainability LIVE 2023

Sustainability

Sustainability LIVE London sells out on 2023 conference

Sustainability