Blyncsy, a subsidiary of Bentley Systems, has developed an innovative tool that provides valuable insights into the condition of public roads in the United States. This tool includes a public map that highlights roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or higher, along with paint retroreflectivity scores for roads in each of the 50 state capitals. The primary purpose of this tool is to assist state and local transportation departments in meeting the new minimum retroreflectivity standards set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that will be enforced from 2026.
Unlike traditional methods of data collection, Blyncsy’s tool utilizes a nationwide network of crowdsourced imagery and artificial intelligence to capture over 3,200 miles of paint retroreflectivity in just four days. This data allows agencies to accurately assess the condition of pavement markings and ensure they meet the required standards. By adopting this technology, states can plan and maintain a safer and more equitable road network efficiently.
“Our focus has always been on safety and efficiency,” said Mike Schellhase, VP of Asset Analytics for Bentley Systems. “With this new technology, we can support every state in building and maintaining a road network that adheres to federal standards. It’s an exciting development that offers a cost-effective and forward-thinking approach.”
Blyncsy’s tool employs artificial intelligence and crowdsourced visual imagery to automate roadway condition assessments and provide an inventory of assets. By analyzing street-level imagery from a vast fleet of vehicles, the technology can assess the condition of assets within seconds of a vehicle passing by. This includes the visibility of paint lines, crucial for efficient striping operations and federal reporting requirements. By reducing the costs and burdens of inspections, this technology supports safer driving conditions for both human and automated drivers.
Mark Pittman, Blyncsy CEO and Bentley’s Director of Transportation AI, explains, “AI is driving a revolution, and we want our public servants to benefit from it. Today’s launch allows maintenance crews across the nation to easily identify where and when to paint new road markings, improving safety, reducing costs, and meeting FHWA requirements.”
Blyncsy, a leader in intelligent roadway insights, delivers near real-time updates on road infrastructure to local governments and transportation departments. By leveraging crowdsourced imagery, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, Blyncsy’s solutions enable smarter, safer, and more efficient roadways. The company’s impressive client roster includes the Hawaii Department of Transportation, City of Plano Texas, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
As part of Bentley Systems, Inc., Blyncsy complements the company’s infrastructure engineering software offerings. Bentley Systems is renowned for providing software solutions that advance the world’s infrastructure through improved design, construction, and operations. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation has made them a leader in the field, with customers around the globe.
In conclusion, Blyncsy’s new tool offers an innovative approach to enhance road safety and efficiency. By leveraging AI and crowdsourced data, state and local transportation departments can effectively maintain pavement markings and comply with FHWA requirements. This technology represents a significant step forward in creating a safer and more sustainable road network for all.
One current market trend in the road safety and efficiency industry is the increasing use of technology and data analytics to monitor and manage road conditions. Blyncsy’s new tool aligns with this trend by utilizing artificial intelligence and crowdsourced imagery to automate roadway condition assessments and provide real-time updates on road infrastructure.
Forecasts suggest that the adoption of tools like Blyncsy’s will continue to grow as transportation departments strive to meet the new minimum retroreflectivity standards set by the FHWA. With the enforcement of these standards from 2026, there will be a greater demand for innovative solutions that can efficiently assess and maintain pavement markings.
However, there are some key challenges and controversies associated with the subject. One challenge is the need to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the crowdsourced data used by Blyncsy’s tool. While the technology is designed to analyze street-level imagery from a broad range of vehicles, there may still be concerns about the quality and consistency of the data collected.
Another controversy is the potential impact on privacy. Collecting imagery from vehicles for the purpose of assessing road conditions may raise concerns about the collection and use of personal data. It will be important for Blyncsy and other companies in the industry to address these privacy issues and ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect individual privacy rights.
Advantages of Blyncsy’s tool include the ability to gather a large amount of data in a short period of time, allowing transportation departments to quickly assess the condition of pavement markings and plan for maintenance when needed. This can lead to more efficient striping operations and cost savings for state and local governments.
Disadvantages may include the initial cost of implementing the technology and the need for training and support to utilize the tool effectively. Additionally, there may be concerns about the reliance on artificial intelligence and the potential for errors or biases in the assessment of road conditions.
Suggested related links:
– Blyncsy Official Website
– Bentley Systems Official Website
– Federal Highway Administration