Work begins on Stephanie traffic light

Staff Reports

Work started Monday on a traffic signal at Stephanie Way and Highway 395.

The speed limit on Highway 395 between Johnson Lane and Stephanie Way is reduced to 55 mph from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the duration of the work, according to Nevada Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Magruder.

"The work is supposed to be done by February," Magruder said. "They have 40 working days to get the light installed."

Contractor PAR Electric is working to install the light and appears to be going much faster than expected.

Magruder said the light will be similar to the one at Johnson Lane in that it stops northbound traffic so motorists may safely turn left onto Stephanie.

Bridget Noel Chambers, a 17-year-old Douglas High School student, was killed when Johnson Lane resident Forest Ladd pulled out in front of her while making a left.

The July 15, 2005, accident sparked an outcry and a petition drive by family members who gathered 6,000 signatures to put pressure on the state to install a traffic signal.

Last year the signal was approved with the state and Douglas County dividing the cost of the $272,000 signal.

The county's portion was about $140,000, much of which came from developer fees generated from construction projects and the balance from the county's capital reserves.