FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- What stretches almost seven miles of road, uses 125 gallons of paint and has fascinated more than a few drivers on Fort Jackson during the last week?

It's a question people have been asking since mysterious blue lines began appearing on the roads around post during the night of Oct. 10. Friends and families visiting last week's graduation ceremonies might have answered the question, though: The lines connect Fort Jackson's three busiest gates to Hilton Field.

"The blue lines let families know where their Soldiers are going to be for both Family Day and graduation," said Lt. Col. Eric Schourek, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment. "It's a visual recognition and is easy to follow."

Designed to guide new visitors to Hilton Field, the lines begin at gates 1, 2 and 4 and lead drivers along a direct route to their Soldiers.

"We're kind of surprised that nobody else ever came up with this before," said Lt. Col. Steven Delvaux, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment. "I think it's great. We've been talking a lot about signage on Fort Jackson. It can be confusing for families trying to get to Hilton Field."

He said the blue lines will make it easier for visitors to learn their way around, he said.

"As opposed to putting up a bunch of signs than nobody's going to read, now they can just follow the blue line," Delvaux said.

Fort Jackson will address the change on its social media sites so that families know what to expect when visiting the post.

"I expect an easier flow of traffic," Schourek said. "Occasionally, you'll have family members get disoriented because they'll be looking at their GPS and miss a turn."