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ITD experiments with solar-powered pavement
markings |
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February 28, 2018 |
 The
unusual amount of sunshine this winter has
allowed the Idaho Transportation Department to
work on their innovative thinking and to
experiment with a few alternatives to typical
highway work. The most recent options are
solar-powered pavement markings, which ITD has
installed on an experimental basis along short
stretches of US-30 in Pocatello. These
solar-powered markers are intended to increase
the visibility of raised curb islands for
drivers.
Another section of US-30 in the Pocatello area
will soon be fitted with the new special markers
also.
ITD purchased 600 units and earmarked 100 for
each of their six regional offices. The
southeast Idaho office was the first to have
them installed, but our ITD North Idaho District
1, will eventually have them installed somewhere
within the region.
You can watch a nighttime video of the
solar-powered markers in action by
clicking here.
"This [Pocatello] location was decided upon as a
safety improvement due to lack of streetlights
in this area and to help denote where there is
curbing. The markers are lit and reflective,
making them a good channelizing device in the
dark," ITD southeast Idaho Operations Manager
Steve Gertonson explained. The markers store up
solar energy during daylight hours, then use
that to power LED lights in the markers at
night.
ITD southeast Idaho Maintenance Foreman David
Petersdorf said he’s already received numerous
calls from the public saying they like the new
markers. |
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