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High curbs required on bridges Why are the curbs so high on Medford's Main Street bridge over Bear Creek? Is this some plot to provide parking solely for SUVs? The curbs are so high that I can't open the doors of my Honda Civic! -- Maggie F., Medford Whoa, there, Maggie. There's a real reason for those tall curbs on that bridge. Ted Blanton, Medford's street maintenance supervisor, says Oregon law requires higher curbs on bridges for motorists' safety. Blanton says most city street curbs are about 6 inches high. State law requires 9-inch bridge curbs "because it's a whole lot harder to launch a car over a 9-inch curb than a 6-inch curb." Blanton says state engineering standards applied because part of the bridge's construction money came from federal grants. Blanton says the curb height gradually increases from 6 to 9 inches over a span of about 30 feet on the approaches to the bridge. If you're hauling a crowd that will be opening doors on both sides of your car, look for a parking place just off the bridge span. If you're out alone, you could park on the bridge's north side, so the driver's door opens into traffic instead of the curb. ("Since You Asked'' is a daily feature in the Mail Tribune that answers questions from readers on virtually any topic of general interest. To submit a question, e-mail us at [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. If you have specific questions about our Web site or other questions about the Mail Tribune, please send them to [email protected] ) Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA