A ground installed every so many feet is very similar to the PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) system used in Britain. While originally employed only in certain rural areas, it's become much more common in recent years, and in fact most LV distribution networks are now PME equipped (all in my local area, so I have been told).
The multiple grounds are only on the distribution network though. Once past the meter on a service, N and G are kept strictly separate.
