Tools

Riverfront Trail To Get Emergency Service Markers

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Dec 13, 2012 at 6:26 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 13, 2012 at 10:42 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Emergency Service Markers are being installed along the Riverfront Trail to provide a safer experience for users.

The new markers will allow users to locate exactly where they are on the trail should an emergency take place.

The Riverfront Trail is a place people go to work out, enjoy the scenery, or just go to get a breath of fresh air.

Officials say residents who need emergency help don't always know where their exact location is, leaving first responders to hunt through 15 miles worth of trail to find them.

"In some circumstances we have been unable to get to the citizen in a really quick manner because they haven't been able to articulate to us exactly where they are at," said Monica Million, operations manager of the 911 center.

Mesa County and several organizations have come together to create an emergency system to help determine residents location as fast as possible.

"This mile-marker system is really going to help us get help to them as quickly as possible," said Million.

Whether it's a safety concern, health concern, or residents just trying to meet up with friends, the new emergency markers will provide the location that much sooner.

The markers placed every quarter mile have the name and location listed. The number on the marker correlates with the road system.

"If you start at 26 Road the next one you'll see is 26 1/4 Road, 26 1/2 Road, 26 and 3/4 Road," said Greg Linza, parks manager with Mesa County.

Dispatchers will be notified through an associated map system.

"On our mapping system in the 911 center, it will give us the quickest access points for our first responders to come to,"said Million.

Officials will continue to place the markers along the trail for the next couple of weeks, and along the new paths that are constructed.

"I feel good. I want to make sure people enjoy their recreational experience along the river. We all deserve the right to recreate along the Colorado River. It's the life-blood of our community, and it's a beautiful area to get down and view," said Linza.

Officials say the emergency markers are funded by Mesa County, however the individual cities and towns the markers fall in are responsible for installing and maintaining them.

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