netherlands

The Netherlands has started operations of the world’s first glow-in-the-dark motorway on the N329 route in the city of Oss.

The concept has been initiated by the Smart Highway project and is the brainchild of artist Daan Roosegaarde. Construction company Heijmans has also helped to complete the project.

Three photo-luminescent lines have been painted on the motorway, which glow brightly at night leading to increased safety and visibility. The energy-neutral paint does not need any electricity to power it.

"Three photo-luminescent lines have been painted on the motorway, which glow brightly at night leading to increased safety and visibility." 

Roosegaarde and Heijmans launched the Smart Highway concept at the Dutch Design Week.

The success of this pilot has prompted other new projects to be launched internationally. Roosegaarde has also been asked to make a new Smart Highway design for the 32km long Dutch dike, Afsluitdijk, by Dutch Minister of Infrastructure Melanie Schultz van Haegen.

Additionally, Roosegaarde will launch a glowing bike path inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s painting Starry Night on 12 November. This concept will give cyclists the opportunity to experience a modern version of the painting in an innovative landscape of light. The path is part of the historic Van Gogh route in Nuenen, the Netherlands.

Roosegaarde was quoted by The Metro as saying: "The panes make landscapes which are energy-neutral and on the other hand incredibly beautiful."

The creators are also hoping that they will be able to use the paint in national parks and other areas of natural beauty to increase road safety without having to install street lights.

Image: The three photo-luminescent lines that have been painted on the motorway glow brightly at night leading to increased safety and visibility. Photo: courtesy of Studio Roosegaarde.