A new type of high-tech pavement is being tested on one of the nation's historic roads in Missouri.
Called Solar Roadways, the system involves hexagonal blocks of roughly 4.4 square feet. Made of a special type of glass, they fit together, have traction like that of conventional pavement, and are solar panels that absorb sunlight. That solar energy is turned into electricity.
According to NBC News, the panels also feature LED lights that can be turned on and off to act as lane markers. There's also a heating element, which will help keep the buildup of ice and snow down.
The panels will be installed on a trial basis near the historic Route 66 highway in Conway, Missouri. They will replace existing sidewalk, and the next step will be to "pave" the Route 66 Welcome Center with the blocks. If things go well, they may also be used on a stretch of the historic road.
"This is just a pilot project, so mass production is not being used yet. If all goes well with the pilots, we hope to gear up for it in the next few months," Julie Brusaw, who founded Solar Roadways with her husband Scott, told NBC.
On its website, Solar Roadways says its product will modernize infrastructure.
"There are many longstanding uses for solar power, which are terrific," the website reads. "The SR concept takes solar technology to a new level. The idea is to collect the substantial solar energy which hits these surfaces but is currently not being utilized. In this way, they will have a dual purpose: modern infrastructure + smart power grid."
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