Manhattan to Install Solar-Powered Flashing Beacons in School Zone

Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board has approved the purchase of two solar-powered, dual-flashing beacon signs to increase safety in the school zone for St. Joseph Catholic School on Route 52. The purchase is partially funded by a 50/50 matching grant from ComEd’s Powering Safe Communities program.

School Zone Safety Key Points:

• The board approved spending $8,494.78 for two beacon signs from TAPCO.

• A $4,247.39 grant from ComEd will cover half the cost.

• The signs will be installed on Route 52 to improve visibility and enforce the 20 mph school zone speed limit.

MANHATTAN – Students and families at St. Joseph Catholic School will soon see a significant safety upgrade along Route 52. The Village Board on Tuesday approved the purchase of two solar-powered flashing beacon signs for the school zone, a move intended to slow traffic and increase driver awareness.

The village will purchase the signs from Traffic and Parking Control Co, LLC (TAPCO) for $8,494.78. The cost will be offset by a $4,247.39 matching grant awarded by ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

The new signs will replace existing, non-flashing signage on Route 52/W. North Street. Police Chief Ryan Gulli explained that the flashing lights are critical for enforcement.

“We actually lost a case last year,” Chief Gulli told the board, recounting a traffic stop for speeding in the school zone. “The judge said that while the signage was good, there were no flashing lights and as they interpreted the law, that was necessary to enforce the school zone. So we’ll give it another try when these are installed.”

The village’s Public Works Department will handle the installation. Officials confirmed they worked with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) prior to applying for the grant and were told no additional permits were needed to replace the existing signs.