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CLEAR Temp: 62 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Thursday, June 5, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend May 23, 2003 Disembarking passengers entering the Medford airport lobby now pass through what likely is Southern Oregon�s first revolving door. The door was installed as a security measure. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Spin city The airport’s new high-tech portals may be the first revolving doors of any kind around here By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune Travelers at the Medford airport took a spin this week in what could be the area’s only revolving doors. The three-door portal, installed at a cost of $50,000, is designed to let disembarking passengers into the terminal and keep potential terrorists away from the aircraft. Historic preservation consultant George Kramer thinks these might be the first revolving doors for the region. "I can’t think of another revolving door that ever existed in Southern Oregon," he said. Advertisement The device, which includes sensors and other high-tech features and has become standard at many airports, didn’t seem to faze travelers Thursday. "It got me through just fine," said Medford resident Ruth Hill Higgins, who was pushed through in her wheelchair. Still, with any new technology there are bugs. An airport employee who asked not to be named, said, "We had a little problem with it yesterday with another wheelchair. We got trapped inside for a second." Sara Martinich of Medford breezed through the doors, hardly giving it a second thought. "It was very easy," she said. Her friend, Lindsey Prentice of Medford, recognized the need for improving security. "It’s a good addition to the airport," she said. The one-way doors, which are about 8 feet in diameter and rotate counterclockwise, allow disembarking passengers entrance to the lobby. "If somebody goes the wrong way, it locks up and an alarm goes off," said Case. Previously, the airport had a Transportation Security Administration employee monitor the area, preventing, say, children rushing up to see their grandparents. Because of new safety regulations, the federal government wants passengers who have been searched separated from those who haven’t. TSA employees also X-ray baggage and scan passengers scheduled to board a plane. Noting that more than 100 of the portals have been installed at the Dallas/Fort Worth airport, Case said they aren’t like the old-fashioned type that became the butt of jokes in movies. People in wheelchairs can push a button that will slow them down to half speed. Detectors will sense if something has jammed, stopping the doors from revolving. And, for those worried about getting limbs caught as the doors twirl round and round, the side of each door features a flexible rubber flap designed to prevent injury. Case said the airport plans to move the doors when a new terminal is built in the next two years. Chris Reising, Medford building and safety director, said there has been a trend toward revolving doors in large facilities as a way to keep down drafts and provide better security. "The newer ones are powered and have sensors," he said. "They don’t live up to the old image where it’s easy to get your arm trapped." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times