Wasco County will ask the Oregon Department of Transportation to investigate reducing the speed limits for Highway 197 between The Dalles and Dufur, and the Sherar’s Bridge portion of Highway 216.  The speed limits were increased by the Oregon Legislature on 197 from 55 miles per hour to 65 and on 216 from 45 to 55 during the 2017 session.  County Commission Chair Steve Kramer said there have been five fatalities on 197 between The Dalles and Dufur since the limits were increased.  County Public Works Director Arthur Smith said the County has to make a request for the speed investigation, as ODOT is not allowed by law to do it on their own.  He said ODOT would look at the request, and then determine if there is enough justification to move forward.