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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend March 13, 2007 Since You Asked The Oregon Department of Transportation no doubt spent a lot of money on that big electronic sign that sits over the northbound lane of I-5, about a mile south of Medford's Barnett Road interchange. Given that, why is it dark, while a smaller portable sign sits beside the freeway nearby, warning drivers of road work ahead? How much did that big sign cost, anyway? — Robert L., Medford Very perceptive of you, Robert. The Oregon Department of Transportation folks say the two signs serve different purposes. Gary Leaming, project information coordinator for ODOT, said the large northbound sign between Phoenix and Medford was installed three years ago to give drivers useful information on current road conditions, such as a roadway crash or closure and, most recently, highway closures and chain conditions on the three passes north of Grants Pass — Sexton, Smith and Stage Summits. Drivers can then make informed decisions on whether to proceed on the interstate or make changes to their trip. The sign and its electronic components, operated by ODOT/OSP dispatch in Central Point, cost about $350,000. Amber alerts are also put on the signs. The smaller temporary sign is directly related to the construction project at the south Medford interchange. It informs motorists of conditions in the work zone, and is operated by the contractor. On some occasions when the construction may pose a hazard, such as when a lane is closed for bridge beam installation, the large sign can be turned on to inform motorists of conditions ahead. Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by e-mail to [email protected] . We're sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary