4-Way Stop Coming To Cedar, Baker Roads Intersection

MANHATTAN, IL — The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee approved Tuesday The Village of Manhattan's request for a four-way stop at the intersection of Cedar and Baker Roads, according to Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of the Village.

"Hopefully this will helps residents in and around Manhattan from getting in major accidents," Adrieansen told Patch.

The four-way stop is expected to be installed within two to four weeks, Adrieansen said. There are currently stop signs on Baker Road for both eastbound and westbound traffic at the intersection.

"I just want to thank all the board members," Adrieansen said. "They listened right away and put it to a vote, and the vote was unanimous."

The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee will also recommend to the Will County Board that the speed limit on Cedar Road at and near that intersection be reduced to 45 mph from the current 55 mph, Adrieansen said.

The Village installed sets of rumble strips on Baker Road Sept. 24 to further help reduce the risk of accidents at the intersection. The Village previously installed "Stop Ahead" signs with red flags Sept. 13 at the intersection.

The Cedar and Baker Roads intersection has been the site of two fatal crashes over the past two years. James E. Harbin, 49, of New Lenox, killed in 2019 when he collided with a semi truck; and two men — James M. Kopec, 52, and Clifford Sales, 47, both of Manhattan — were killed in July this year when their vehicles collided at the intersection.

Turn lanes near the intersection that have been in the works have been delayed because of utility lines that need to be relocated. That project is expected to completed in the spring or summer of 2022, Adrieansen said.

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