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Lowered speed not likely soon This is concerning the recently redesigned intersection at Lozier Lane and Stewart Avenue in Medford. A few months ago, two stop signs were added to Stewart Avenue, making this a three-way stop. This was done in response to a number of accidents, including at least one fatality. Traveling west on Stewart Avenue, the speed limit is 35 mph, until you round the curve between Dixie Lane and Cherry Street. At this point the speed limit is posted at 45 mph. The distance from the sign to the intersection is 200 to 300 feet. Why was this section of highway left at 45 mph? It seems rather dangerous to have cars and trucks accelerating toward an already dangerous intersection. Was this an oversight? --Wade L., Medford That hasn't been overlooked, Wade, and it will be dealt with, but it may take a while. County Engineer Dale Petrasek tells us that changing a speed limit requires action by the state Speed Control Board, an arm of the Oregon Department of Transportation. Before the board can act, a "speed-control investigation" must take place -- a process that can take six to 18 months. Eventually, Petrasek says, plans call for Lozier Lane to be extended south of Stewart to Orchard Home Drive, at which time a signal will be installed at that intersection. In the meantime, county roads staff members felt the intersection was dangerous enough to warrant stop signs right away. "We didn't want to wait to go through the speed-control process," he said. Petrasek said he thinks the state will decide it makes sense to move the 45-mph speed sign west of the intersection, but he noted that the new stop is well marked and drivers obeying the speed limit should have no trouble stopping in time. (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification.) Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA