Travel Vermont's roads and you'll see signs that construction season has started -- literally.This one warns of work on the Interstate in Colchester. And this one ... Warns of zombies!? "I think it's pretty funny," said Christie White, a motorist that stopped for a second look.
Scofflaws targeted a digital construction sign on Route 7 near the Colchester-Milton town line. It once warned motorists about road work, and now advises people turn back due to a zombie invasion. The sign also mentions Swine Flu. Police suspect the culprits hacked into the sign's computer system to change it. "I had to take another glimpse at it and reread it," said Amanda Mobbs, who noticed the sign on her way to work at a convenience store. She says customers have been getting a kick out of it. "A lot of people are coming in and laughing about it and thinking its a joke."
It may have been a practical joke but police don't think it's that funny. Because hacking into the construction sign here could have serious consequences. "Tampering with that sign is not going to warn motorists there could be a problem up ahead until they are right into it," said Colchester Police Sgt. Jeff Fontaine.
Colchester Police tried to turn the sign off. But couldn't. Because it's password protected. The Agency of Transportation knows about the problem. And messages have been left for the construction company that owns the sign. Until the proper warning is back, police have a warning of their own. "If this leads to an accident," said Sgt. Fontaine, "then we would look into that as a contributing cause.
Police say potential charges against the perpetrators include making a false report. For now, the large sign is hard to miss. Generating a lot of buzz in town, and a lot of picture taking.
Darren Perron - WCAX News
Colchester, Vermont - May 3, 2009
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