CARSON CITY, Nev. — After nearly two years of often emotional debate, the Nevada Department of Transportation has decided roadside memorials will be allowed provided they don't interfere with public safety.

The agency had considered several policy options after concerns were raised over an 8-foot cross erected in memory of a young murder victim near Spooner Summit on U.S. 50.

Under the policy, memorials can't be permanent structures and must be of reasonable size.

"We're back to the status quo. After all the discussion we've had about this issue, there's no reason to make any changes," said NDOT spokesman Scott Magruder.

The option to continue the historic acceptance of memorial markers built by grieving families and friends on state rights of way was one of three under study by the agency during public hearings in early 2004.

The other options were to provide for standardized markers or to ban and remove all memorials along the state's roadways.

Roadside memorials became an issue in 2003 after the state agency ordered the removal of a 2-ton cross, erected in memory of 9-year-old Krystal Steadman of South Lake Tahoe. The little girl was killed in 2000, and her body was found east of Spooner Summit.

State officials determined the large cross was a distraction to motorists.

Many people protested the removal, but others agreed with it. Some people said the public needed to be reminded about tragedies while others said state roadways weren't appropriate for such displays.

"At the time, people were polarized. But since the public hearings were held, we really haven't had any complaints," Magruder said. "We remain sensitive to the issue and understand how emotional it is."