By Stephanie Irvine

Change is happening at the dangerous County Line Road and Route 1 intersection in Beecher, thanks to a push from the Beecher Fire Protection District, legislators, and local and county officials.

The Illinois Department of Transportation will install a four-way stop at the intersection by the end of the April, subject to weather conditions.

A letter from IDOT indicated that, in addition to the all-way stop, amber beacons with “Stop Ahead” signs will be placed along Route 1. The stop signs will also have red flashing beacons.

Pavement makrings will also be refreshed or modified as needed.

“The new overhead flashing AWS beacon is anticipated to be constructed using the Department’s Electrical Maintenance Contractor and energized by the end of May, subject to weather, contractor availability and coordination with the utility companies,” Aaron Gold-Stein, IDOT’s Director of Legislative Affairs, reported in a letter.

Local officials got the news at an April 13 meeting, subsequent to a meeting in Beecher held last month.

The earlier meeting followed back-to-back accidents on Thursday and Friday the week before. There were no reported fatalities as a result of those accidents. But local officials encouraged IDOT to take swift action to ramp up safety at County Line Road and Route 1 while it works on its permanent update.

“They’re listening to us and trying to do everything we’re asking,” state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-South Holland, said.

Officials from the Beecher Fire District, the Village of Beecher, Will County, Kankakee County, and state legislators convened on April 13 to follow up on a meeting held last month to encourage IDOT to take swift action to ramp up safety at County Line Road and Route 1 while it works on its permanent update.

In addition to the stop signs, the Will County Department of Transportation just recently ground in rumble strips at 450 and 250 feet in advance of the intersection on both east and west sides of County Line Road.

“On behalf of the Beecher Fire Protection District, we extend our sincere appreciation to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Representatives Thaddeus Jones and Jackie Haas, Illinois State Senators Elgie R. Sims Jr. and Napoleon B. Harris III, and Will County leadership for their continued commitment to improving roadway safety throughout our region,” Beecher Fire Chief Joe Falaschetti said in a statement.

All in attendance were grateful to hear the news about the stop signs and rumble strips.

“I want to thank everyone and especially you, Chief [Falaschetti], for stepping up to the plate. I think your involvement was crucial, thank you to the fire district,” Beecher Trustee Joe Tieri said.

State Rep. Jackie Haas, R-Kankakee, echoed the sentiments and thanked Falaschetti for keeping everyone apprised of the accidents so IDOT would have the most current information. It helped expedite the installation of the stop signs.

“This is such great news: I’m in tears,” said Will County Coroner Laurie Summers, who is passionate about improving safety at that intersection.

“The Department recently completed the preliminary engineering and environmental studies for a long-term improvement, which includes the construction of a modern roundabout, and the project is in Phase II engineering, which includes preparation of contract plans and land acquisition,” Gold-Stein reported in the letter.

The roundabout’s letting has a target contract letting in 2028, contingent upon land acquisition and design. IDOT officials say data shows that roundabouts keep traffic moving while creating a safer environment for drivers.

With a string of accidents continually plaguing the intersection — several of which were fatalities, including a wreck where one vehicle was engulfed in flames — officials didn’t want to wait to take action.

“This collaborative effort among state agencies, local leadership, and public safety officials reflects a shared commitment to protecting the traveling public and strengthening infrastructure within our communities,”Falaschetti said of the group’s efforts.

The interim and long-term measures being implemented will have a meaningful and lasting impact on reducing serious traffic incidents and enhancing overall roadway safety.”

The stop signs are intended to be a temporary mechanism to increase public safety and slow drivers down.

“They [IDOT] sent in orders for all of this, so it wasn’t just lip service. They recently completed the environmental engineering for long-term improvement, too,” state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-South Holland, added.

“Thank you for listening to our concerns and making this happen,” Jones said.

Temporary warning signs for the new traffic change should be installed by the end of the day, officials said.

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.