Comments on: White asphalting

By: Erik

Erik — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:25:11 +0000

Hmm, thermocouples embedded in the roadway? Converting some of the interstate highway right-of-way into high speed rail or perhaps maglev raised above the surface traffic? Okay, how about using the median for an electric rail system shaded by a continuous pv awning running the length of the system? The rights-of-way are already publicly owned, so no new land would need to be commandeered, and the project could be done in sections, just as existing highway projects are done. The system could perhaps also be the core of a smart grid with storage stations/electric vehicle charging stations spaced all along the highway helping to balance the load, especially if a significant portion of the electric vehicle fleet were used as grid storage like Denmark is apparently trying out. Worth looking into what we could do to improve the existing road infrastructure, at least.

By: Sonia

Sonia — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 07:29:59 +0000

I second the above comment. The resulting glare under an Aussie sun particularily in summer is so not practicle. The real answer would be to reduce our reliance on cars and hense on roads. Besides, there is no telling what sort of effect all that reflected light would have on the environment either. The result might not be any better then whats already there. The smart thing to do would be to find a way to tap the heat absorbed by the road into something like water heating and steam power. Geo-thermal power in an everyday environment. Can’t be that impossible can it? .

By: Jami Reimer

Jami Reimer — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:44:37 +0000

What an innovative idea! I’ve never considered that before…

By: Hallei

Hallei — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:40:24 +0000

I would think the resulting glare caused by the white roads would blind drivers.