Digital Speed Limit Signs Activated on I-84

Digital speed limit signs mounted over a thirty-mile stretch of Interstate 84 between Baker City and La Grande have replaced the standard speed signs in that area.

The new signs will use traffic, road, weather and visibility sensors to lower the legal speed limit when ice, snow, fog or a wreck ahead requires everyone to slow down. Along with identifying the current legal speed limit, the digital displays can also show the reason for a reduced speed, such “ice” or “low visibility.”

The new variable speed limit signs were installed this summer and have displayed the current freeway speed limits for about two months. The signs are now connected to road sensor and fully functional. Drivers are reminded to watch for and obey these new digital speed signs, which will show the current legal speed limit for the area.

“The section of freeway between Baker City and La Grande is positioned between the Eagle Cap and Elkhorn mountain ranges,” said Oregon Department of Transportation Area Manager Ken Patterson. “This often creates microclimates with more severe weather patterns than adjacent sections of freeway.”

Ice, high winds with blowing snow, and limited visibility are some of the challenging conditions that catch motorists off guard, resulting in a higher number of crashes than similar freeway sections.

“The idea behind these new signs is to warn motorists ahead of hazardous road conditions and get them to slow down before they enter a potentially dangerous situation,” Patterson said.