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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Neighborhoods Employment Guide 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 November 15, 2006 Click image for larger view Confusing signs attempt to guide airport visitors to parking lots and the terminal at the Medford airport. Director Bern Case said new signs are expected soon. (Mail Tribune / Jim Craven) LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT Construction at Medford's airport leaves some travelers and pedestrians baffled; 'It's going to be a bunch better' By Damian Mann Mail Tribune With a bewildering array of signs and turns, motorists and pedestrians are often stumped while negotiating construction zones at the Medford airport. "Now, it's like if you're not paying attention to the signs, you can get lost real quick," said Medford resident Jessica Shine, who was headed to the rental car building when she ended up in short-term parking. Pointing to an exit sign, she said, "It says exit over there, but you can't get out that way." Airport Director Bern Case acknowledges that makeshift signs and poor lighting make it difficult for visitors to navigate the airport as $6 million worth of parking lots and new access roads are being built. "It is less than ideal," he said. Advertisement Pedestrians walk to the terminal from the new parking area on sheets of plywood laid on the ground. The plywood, coupled with poor lighting, make access difficult for the disabled and elderly, said Case. He said a couple of lights that guided the way had malfunctioned but they should be fixed soon. By Monday, Case said, the plywood should be replaced by an asphalt strip with additional lights to make it easier for pedestrians to find the pathway, particularly at night. "It's going to be a bunch better Monday," said Case. Because of the construction, the airport is running a shuttle service, which is basically a golf cart with a trailer. The shuttle, which has had some breakdowns, runs from 5 a.m. to midnight. Over the Thanksgiving holiday season, Case said he plans to run two shuttles. Case said the makeshift signs that have been directing traffic should be replaced as soon as the new signs arrive. "The signage is supposed to be here now, but there's been some delay," he said. Despite the problems, Case said there are already improvements at the airport, which now has more paved parking than it did before. "Last year we had 200 cars in gravel and mud," he said. "This year it's all on the pavement." Next Wednesday potentially could prove to be the biggest day in the airport's history, and Case said he wants to do everything he can to fix problems before the onslaught of weary passengers. The parking areas are being built in preparation for construction of a new $30 million terminal, which is scheduled to go out to bid next spring and be completed by the end of 2008. Eventually, Case hopes to have the walkway completely covered from the new terminal to the parking lot. "Our goal is not to have more than a minute walk to a canopy," he said. Case said visitors to the airport should start seeing things turnaround. "We're at the point now where it will be getting better instead of worse," he said. On Tuesday, many motorists arriving at the airport appeared confused by the signs and detours. "I missed my turn two times," said Grants Pass resident Rex Kerr, who was trying to pick up his wife coming in from Louisville, Ky. But Charles Barsuglia of Eagle Point said he didn't have any problems finding the parking lot. "Actually, it's not too bad," he said. [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com