Blyncsy To Release Map Of U.S. 35+ MPH Roadway System Featuring FHWA Retroreflectivity Minimum Standards

In a significant development for road safety and maintenance, Blyncsy, a subsidiary of Bentley Systems, has unveiled a comprehensive public map detailing the paint retroreflectivity scores of roads across all 50 state capitals in the United States. This innovative tool, designed to support state and local transportation departments, comes ahead of the new Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations set to be enforced in 2026. These regulations mandate minimum levels of retroreflectivity for pavement markings on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or higher.

Utilizing a blend of crowdsourced imagery and advanced artificial intelligence (AI), Blyncsy successfully mapped over 3,200 centerline miles of road in merely four days. This achievement underscores the company's commitment to enhancing road safety and efficiency nationwide. The FHWA's updated rule in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), released in 2022, aims to improve nighttime visibility on roads, thereby reducing accidents and enhancing driver safety.

Mike Schellhase, VP of Asset Analytics at Bentley Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential to aid every state in the U.S. in building a safer and more equitable road network. He highlighted the cost-effective and innovative approach offered by Blyncsy's technology in meeting federal standards.

Blyncsy's AI-driven technology represents a leap forward in roadway condition assessment and asset management. By analyzing street-level imagery collected from over 800,000 vehicles nationwide, the technology can swiftly evaluate the condition of roadway features such as paint line visibility. This not only aids in maintaining high safety standards but also significantly reduces inspection costs by more than 90%.

Mark Pittman, CEO of Blyncsy and Bentley’s Director of Transportation AI, emphasized the transformative impact of AI on public service operations. The technology enables maintenance crews to efficiently determine when and where road lines need repainting, thereby improving safety, reducing operational costs, and ensuring compliance with FHWA requirements.

About Blyncsy: As a leader in intelligent roadway insights and automated asset management, Blyncsy leverages crowdsourced imagery and AI to offer near real-time road infrastructure status to local governments and state transportation departments. Its client roster includes notable organizations such as the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

About Bentley Systems: Bentley Systems is a global leader in infrastructure engineering software solutions. With a portfolio that includes applications for modeling, simulation, project delivery, construction management, and asset operations, Bentley Systems supports professionals across various sectors in advancing the world’s infrastructure. The company boasts an international presence with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion.

This collaboration between Blyncsy and Bentley Systems illustrates a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure management and safety. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, they are setting new standards in how roadway conditions are monitored and maintained, ensuring safer travel for all.