Kankakee County, IL – Fire officials are sounding the alarm over a dangerous intersection in northern Kankakee County, calling on the Illinois Department of Transportation to take immediate action before more lives are lost.
According to the Manteno Community Fire Protection District, the intersection of Route 50 and County Line Road has already seen 14 crashes and two fatalities this year alone. Local officials say their crews are repeatedly dispatched to the crossing and are urging IDOT to install traffic lights, turning lanes and additional warning systems to improve visibility.
Fire officials said the intersection has become a deadly problem for drivers, with too many serious accidents occurring in a short span of time. They emphasized the need for immediate upgrades, including multiple traffic signals, clearly marked turning lanes in every direction and enhanced flashing systems to alert drivers approaching the busy corridor.
Residents and first responders alike have voiced frustration, noting that Route 50 serves as a heavily traveled route for both passenger cars and commercial traffic. The fire district said it has formally submitted its requests to IDOT, stressing that further delay could mean more fatalities.
IDOT has not yet responded publicly to the call for changes. Fire officials say they will continue pressing state transportation leaders until safety improvements are made.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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