Redstone rods would be a block that acts like redstone wire, but could be placed like end rods. It would allow for more compact redstone builds by allowing easier vertical transmission, and side by side signals without interference or delay. It would also add another redstone component that can be moved by pistons. Redstone rods should probably act like redstone dust by weakly powering blocks, and only receiving power from strongly powered sources.

Possible crafting

Picture of some of its uses