A road project along County Road 1055 that would allow vehicles to take some curves comfortably at 55 mph rather than 40 mph had area property owners questioning why.

“What’s wrong with trying to slow down traffic?” asked Mary Gensler, who resides at 677 East 1700 Road, near County Road 1055.

Gensler was one of about 40 people who attended Wednesday’s Douglas County Commission meeting about improvements along County Road 1055.

County officials plan to replace a bridge near the Cedar Hill Gun Club, 918 East 1650 Road. Two curves directly south of the bridge also would be improved as part of the project, which has an estimated construction cost of $1.05 million.

Improving the curves will allow people to drive 55 mph with little problem, said county engineer Keith Browning.

Browning said the reason for wanting curves that would allow people to drive 55 mph is because most of County Road 1055 has a speed limit of 55 mph. Not improving the ability to remain at that speed when taking curves is “just not proper design,” he said.

People at the meeting received information about the project — slated for bid letting in 2006 — and potential future projects.

Most people at the meeting agreed that the bridge, which has a 10-ton weight limit, should be replaced, but they had concerns about improving the curves in the road.

Mary Watson and her family said that the change of the curves in the road could affect the Cedar Hill Gun Club. Construction could make it difficult for people to get to the club, she said. Watson and her family also were worried that the curve improvements would cut into their property and that could mean potential safety concerns because of people shooting at the club.

Commissioners listened to the concerns, but also said that they would have a public hearing on the road project. The hearing will likely take place March 30 at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Mass.

“Nothing is set in stone at this point,” Commission Chairman Charles Jones said.

Browning said the project was scheduled and county staff was moving forward with plans, but commissioners could decide to delay it.

Commissioner Bob Johnson said some slight changes may need to be made to make the project work.

“But what we’re proposing is really the best thing to do long-term, and I would hope we could do it with minimal disruption,” Johnson said.