1,766 luminous road markers to be installed in child, elderly and disabled protection zones, keeping crosswalks visible at night, in rain and in fog
Songpa-gu in Seoul plans to expand its "runway-style crosswalks" — crosswalks lined with light-emitting road markers — to 121 protected zones, making them visible even at night or in wet weather.
The runway-style crosswalk takes its cue from how aircraft follow taxiway lights on either side of a runway to find their way: luminous markers are embedded in the road, alerting drivers to the location of an approaching crosswalk from a distance.
The biggest advantage is that the markers emit light precisely when crosswalk markings are hardest to see — at night, in rain or in fog — illuminating the crosswalk and helping drivers slow down well before they reach it.
Durability is another strength. Because the markers are firmly embedded on either side of the road, they hold up well even under frequent vehicle traffic.
The district plans to install 1,766 luminous road markers across 121 locations — 92 school zones, 20 elderly protection zones and 9 disabled protection zones.
Elderly and disabled protection zones will be prioritized, with markers placed at every crosswalk within those zones given the particular needs of their users. In school zones, installation will begin at the crosswalks most heavily used by children, focusing on routes leading to the front and rear gates of elementary schools.
The district has secured 300 million won (about $200,000) from the Seoul Metropolitan Government budget for the project, with construction set to be completed by June.
"Protection zones are places where the safety of vulnerable road users — children, the elderly and people with disabilities — must come first," a Songpa-gu official said. "We will consistently work to build an environment where all residents can walk with confidence and feel safe."
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