Manhattan Launches Safety Study For U.S. Route 52, Community Input Essential

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan officials on Wednesday said they're beginning work on the Manhattan Corridor Safety Plan: An Action Plan for U.S. Route 52, a comprehensive planning study focused on improving transportation and pedestrian safety along the community’s central corridor.

U.S. Route 52 serves as a key arterial roadway for residents, businesses, and visitors, accommodating vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and freight traffic. The plan will identify strategies to reduce crashes, aim to improve safe travel for all users, and support the Village’s long-term downtown business development goals.

The planning study is being funded largely by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program, a federal initiative aimed at preventing roadway fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven planning and targeted safety investments. The Village applied for and was awarded a $100,000 grant through the program for study in Fiscal Year 2024, one of the few Planning and Demonstration grants in the State of Illinois.

The study is set to begin less than a year after 13-year-old Chance Hunnicutt was fatally struck by a semi on the road in downtown Manhattan. Since then, the problematic downtown intersection has been made into a three-way stop.

Officials also previously said that IDOT is in phase 1 engineering for another dangerous intersection, that of US 52 and Baker Road, to slow traffic coming into town.

"The safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors is our top priority," said Mayor Mike Adrieansen. "U.S. Route 52 is a vital corridor in our community, and this study is a key step toward making it safer and more accessible for everyone. We’re proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Farnsworth Group and look forward to community input as we plan for a safer, stronger Manhattan."

A steering committee of 12 members of the community will play an important role in the study. The following individuals have volunteered for the committee:

• Village of Manhattan Trustee (Chairman): Justin Young
• Village Development Department: Marc Nelson
• Village Police Department: Ryan Gulli
• Village Public Works Department: John Tyk
• Resident/Homeowner/Parent: Liz Leamer
• Manhattan Park District: Ed Ludwig
• Manhattan Fire Department: Steve Malone
• Manhattan-Elwood Public Library: Ashley Hopper
• Manhattan School District 114: Barbara Steffen
• Chamber Board Member/U.S. Route 52 Business Owner: Dana Skwirut
• Manhattan Township: James Walsh
• St Joseph's School: Beth Sullivan

Key components of the plan include:

• An analysis of crash history and roadway safety conditions along U.S. Route 52.
• Identification of high-risk locations and contributing factors to crashes.
• Special focus on safer mobility for schools, families, and pedestrians along the route.
• Recommend safety strategies and roadway improvement projects to the IL Department of Transportation (IDOT).
• Alignment with SS4A requirements to position the Village for future grant funding.

Public engagement will be a central part of the planning process. Residents, businesses, and corridor users will have opportunities to share input on safety concerns, travel habits, and priorities through public workshops beginning this summer.

The completed Manhattan Corridor Safety Plan will serve as a guide for potential roadway improvements and help the Village pursue grant funding for projects—and action by IDOT —that improves safety for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and all roadway users, the Village said in a release.

For more information about the Manhattan Corridor Safety Plan or upcoming engagement opportunities, please visit the village website at: www.villageofmanhattan.org.