After fatal crash, Manhattan intensifies Route 52 safety push; proposes engineering, lighting upgrades and a $16,000 crosswalk plan

Following a recent deadly collision, the Manhattan Village Board devoted extended discussion on Nov. 4 to safety improvements along Route 52, outlining engineering steps, coordination with IDOT and county officials, and community advocacy.

Background and recent actions: The mayor summarized a multi-year effort that includes a July 2020 traffic study submitted to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), multiple requests to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for truck-size-limit signs, truck-route map updates and speed reductions, and the village’s recent inclusion of traffic safety and alternate truck routes in its comprehensive plan. Staff reported that IDOT has begun a phase 1 engineering study for the Baker Road area; staff estimated the study could take about 18 months.

Grant and consultant work: The village received a federal traffic-study grant (one of six Illinois communities selected) to prepare a more in-depth downtown safety plan; staff said they are in the RFQ/selection process for a consultant. Separately, the village hired a consultant to assist with state-level advocacy in Springfield and contracted a dedicated truck-enforcement officer; police reported increased citations for oversized trucks this year.

Proposed engineering scope and costs: Staff outlined a preliminary engineering package for proposed downtown crosswalk work that would include 24-hour traffic counts, crash analysis, sight-distance assessments, proposed crosswalk and stop-bar locations, auditory exhibits and preliminary pay items. Staff estimated the cost to prepare that engineered submittal to IDOT at about $16,000 and asked the board for a straw poll to proceed to formal resolution at a future meeting.

Lighting presentation: A lighting specialist representing Cyclone (acquired by Acuity Brands) presented technical recommendations based on Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) guidance (referenced as recommended practice RP-8-24) to improve crosswalk vertical illumination and pedestrian visibility at night. The presenter explained optics, fixture placement, and trade-offs between solar and hardwired installations, and said properly positioned vertical lighting can greatly increase the detectability of pedestrians at dusk and night.

Community advocacy: Residents urged faster action: one speaker requested immediate repainting of high-visibility transverse crosswalk markings and said IDOT had agreed to send a team to study the intersection in three to four weeks; another resident announced formation of a Bike Walk Alliance of Manhattan to coordinate public testimony and map community priorities. Board members and staff described continuing outreach to state representatives and IDOT and pledged ongoing follow-up.

Enforcement data: Police reported active truck enforcement. As one board member summarized, October saw 304 total citations (10 more than October 2024) and a substantial increase in over-length citations compared with 2024; the police truck enforcement effort was credited with reducing through-truck traffic in downtown.

Next steps: Staff said they will continue engineering and RFQ processes, finalize the $16,000 engineered submittal if the board directs it, pursue the federal grant consultant, press IDOT on immediate pavement markings and consider lighting and crosswalk pilot installations. No formal binding action on the $16,000 engineering estimate or IDOT requirements was taken at the meeting; staff said a formal resolution can be placed on a future agenda.