Instead of using traditional paint and having to stop traffic to modify road markings, Dutch company Philips has recently patented a system consisting of ultra-thin plastic strips layered on the road surface that are activated electric fields. This modifies the location of colored particles visible to the drivers. Changing the number of lanes or the speed limit could be done remotely and without any interference from traffic. Those sign holding people that get paid $25 per hour will be furious!

Source: New Scientist