A speed limit sign on Route 156 is less than a quarter mile from the intersection with Zion’s Hill Road in Chesterville. Residents Dennis and Crystal Oliver are concerned about vehicles going too fast in the area. (Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser)

CHESTERVILLE — Selectmen are investigating options for two roads after residents brought concerns about speeding vehicles on Gordon Hill road and part of Route 156 to the board Thursday night.

Amber Fuller asked how to get a speed limit sign on Gordon Hill road.

“A lot more people are moving in there. There’s a lot of traffic. People are going 45 (mph) there,” she said.

Selectman Chairman Tyler Jenness, who works for Maine Department of Transportation in Maintenance and Operations, said the limit on an unposted gravel road is 25 mph. He will contact the state about doing a speed study.

Dennis and Crystal Oliver shared concerns about the section of Route 156 near the intersection with Zion’s Hill road.

“Trucks go through there really fast. Some vehicles skid through the stop sign,” Dennis said.

Crystal asked about lowering the speed or moving the speed limit sign, which is less than a quarter mile from the stop sign. Other options are ‘Children at Play’ or ‘School Bus Stop’ signs. She said that staff at the Dixfield Department of Transportation office told her to request dynamic speed signs.

Selectman Edward Hastings IV, who is also a sergeant with the Farmington Police Department, said the portable signs are similar to one now posted in Farmington. They display the speed of an oncoming vehicle.

“Have you tried calling the police?” he asked.

 Crystal said, “Yes, they stay there for a week or two but as soon as the state police are gone they’re back up and speeding.

“My mom said the other day a lady drove right through the school bus stop sign and kept on going. Luckily my kids weren’t off the bus yet or they could have been hit.”

Hastings said the Sheriff’s Office has a sign that keeps track of speed data.

“A speed study looks at how fast cars should be going. The study may set a 30 mph limit but cars go 50 (mph),” he said.

Crystal said there are three bus stops and twelve children living on Route 156  between Locke Pond road and the intersection.

Jenness said a speed study, which looks at the number of houses, how far apart they are, the condition of the road and other factors, could hurt.

“You’re better off calling the Sheriff’s department and asking about enforcement,” he said.

Crystal said she liked the idea of a ‘Children at Play’ or ‘School Bus Stop’ sign. 

Jenness said he would check and get back to her.

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