Safety Upgrades Coming to Dangerous Route 50 and County Line Road Intersection

Manhattan Fire Protection District Meeting | September 15, 2025

Article Summary: Following a meeting between fire officials and state and county transportation leaders, safety improvements, including a four-way stop by the end of the year and a traffic light in two to three years, are planned for the hazardous intersection of Route 50 and County Line Road, which has seen 17 accidents this year alone.

Route 50 Intersection Key Points:

• The intersection of Route 50 and County Line Road has been the site of 17 accidents in 2025.

• A four-way stop sign is expected to be installed at the location by the end of the year.

• A full traffic light is planned for the intersection within the next two to three years.

MANHATTAN, IL – Long-awaited safety upgrades are coming to the dangerous intersection of Route 50 and County Line Road, a location where the Manhattan Fire Protection District has responded to 17 accidents this year alone.

During his report at the fire district’s board meeting on Monday, September 15, 2025, Fire Chief Steve Malone announced the plans following a productive meeting with Senator Patrick Joyce, State Representative Jackie Haas, and officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Will County Department of Transportation.

“A very good conversation took place and we can expect to see a 4-way stop at that location by the end of the year, and a stop light in 2-3 years,” Malone reported to the trustees, according to the meeting minutes.

The intersection, which straddles the border of Manhattan and Peotone townships, has been a growing concern for first responders and local residents due to the high volume of traffic and frequency of serious collisions. Malone noted that while this is a significant step forward, “other dangerous roads need attention as well.”

The commitment to install a temporary four-way stop followed by a permanent traffic signal represents a major safety enhancement for commuters in the area.