The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT), 3M and The Ray announced in a press release, that all lanes of the 13 miles of Interstate 85, from the Georgia-Alabama border to Exit 13-LaGrange, are now marked with 3M’s Connected Roads All Weather Elements striping technology. 

According to the press release from The Ray and 3M, this announcement follows the recent repaving of that interstate stretch, now known as The Ray, which has become a national proving ground for transportation technology and innovation. 

3M elements provide visibility daytime, nighttime and in dry or wet weather conditions, which is made possible with unique 2.4 (wet) and 1.9 (dry) refractive index bead technology. 

“Georgia DOT’s number one priority is safety for the traveling public,” said Russell R. McMurry, P.E., Georgia DOT commissioner, in the press release. “The installation of this new technology enhancing pavement marking visibility is a perfect example of Georgia DOT’s and The Ray’s mutual commitment, with the assistance of 3M, to create an innovative, safer and more sustainable highway.” 

This installation is the latest in a series of smart technologies installed on The Ray in 2019. 

“This is striping that supports autonomous vehicles with machine vision systems — day, night, rain or shine,” said Harriet Langford, president and founder of The Ray, in the press release. “Our goal, which we share with Georgia DOT, is to build a safe ecosystem, on a public interstate, that can accommodate advanced vehicle testing, and 3M is a critical step in that direction.” 

“As traffic technology experts, 3M is committed to advancing road safety and we are honored to join The Ray’s smart highway with important infrastructure that helps improve guidance for both drivers and machine vision-equipped vehicles,” said Dr. Daniel Chen, Vice President and General Manager, 3M Transportation Safety Division. 

“By implementing all weather retroreflective pavement markings that deliver exceptional visibility and clear, consistent lane guidance in all conditions, Georgia DOT is taking a step to advance safety for their motorists.” 

The public-private-philanthropic partnership between Georgia DOT, 3M and The Ray will continue in 2020 as 3M delivers additional and innovative road infrastructure and safety products as part of the growing area of enhanced technology for pavement markings and other roadway infrastructure.