Tarmac 2.0

New solar road technology could both absorb solar energy for electricity and provide a changeable LED grid that could respond to traffic conditions.

1 minute read

August 31, 2009, 5:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

From the press release:

"The Solar Road Panels will contain embedded LEDs which "paint" the road lines from beneath to provide safer nighttime driving, as well as to give up to the minute instructions (via the road) to drivers (i.e. "detour ahead"). The road will be able to sense wildlife on the road and can warn drivers to "slow down". There will also be embedded heating elements in the surface to prevent snow and ice buildup, providing for safer winter driving. This feature packed system will become an intelligent highway that will double as a secure, intelligent, decentralized, self-healing power grid which will enable a gradual weaning from fossil fuels."

Solar Roadways, who developed the concept, have been awarded a $100k research grant by the Department of Transportation. This page features a video interview with one of the inventors.

FULL STORY: Solar Roadways get prototype funding from DOT

Friday, August 28, 2009 in autobloggreen.com

Infrastructure Transportation United States Traffic Signals Road Design

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.