DENVER -- The state department of transportation is trying to give drivers in the north metro area a little bit more direction. It's installing new road signs that it hopes will help motorists identify their exact locations when they dial 911.

Mileage markers will now be located just one-fifth of a mile apart on portions of Interstate 25, Interstate 76, Interstate 270 and portions of the Boulder Turnpike interchange.

Currently, it takes eight to 10 minutes, sometimes longer, for firefighters to respond to highway emergencies because callers don't know their exact location.

The new signs are designed to significantly cut response time.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is installing a total of 70 signs, of which about 90 percent are now in place.

The $17,000 project will be funded by the department's maintenance and operations budget.