by Channel 2 News staff
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported the cost of the repairs. We apologize for the error.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- It's supposed to warn drivers about avalanches, bad weather and Amber Alerts -- but it's not working.
The state Department of Transportation says problems with the sign on the Seward Highway started about a year ago because of electronic problems, and parts for the computer controller are no longer made.
DOT says it plans on fixing the sign this summer.
"Sometimes the concern is, ‘The sign's not on, why not?'" said traffic engineer Scott Thomas. "And it's because when it is on, we want people to believe what it says and take it pretty seriously."
Federal highway funds will be used to fix the sign and replace a similar sign on the Glenn Highway. The cost is expected to be between $100,000 and $200,000.
