ASSUMPTION, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Department of Transportation will be holding a public hearing to address safety improvements to an intersection that has proved dangerous in recent years.
It was the intersection at U.S. 51 and Leafland Street in Assumption where Central A&M students Conner Rowcliff and Keegan Virden were killed in a car wreck in 2022.
Last week, it was announced that a portion of Rt. 51 will be designated as the “Conner-Keegan Memorial Highway” to honor the two teens.
On June 6, IDOT will hold a public hearing to present proposed changes to the intersection and seek comments from the public. Exhibits, a video of a J-turn, maps and aerial photography of the intersection will be available for viewing during the hearing.
Related Links
- Sangamon County Coroner identifies second victim killed in crash involving Central A&M students
- Officials working to make Assumption intersection safer following crash that killed 2 teens
- Central A&M mother presents donation in honor of late son
- Route 51 around Assumption to be designated as the 'Conner-Keegan Memorial Highway'
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the J-Turn is "an alternative to traditional roadway intersections on a four-lane highway. Instead of motorists crossing fast-moving lanes of traffic to get to the opposing lanes, drivers at a J-turn intersection turn right in the same direction of traffic, merge into the left lane, and then make a u-turn in the direction they intend to travel."
The intersection at U.S. 51 and Leafland Street in Assumption where Central A&M students Conner Rowcliff and Keegan Virden were killed in a car wreck in 2022.
IDOT is proposing to convert the current intersection into a J-Turn, similar to the intersection of U.S. 51 at East Andrews Street in Macon.
Representatives of IDOT will be available to answer individual questions and receive comments for those in attendance. There will be no formal presentation.
The meeting will take place on:
Thursday, June 6 from 4-6 p.m.
Central A&M Middle School
404 Colegrove St., Assumption
Comments can be submitted at the meeting or mailed to:
Illinois Department of Transportation, District 6
3215 Executive Park Drive
Springfield, IL 62703
Attn: Jay Wavering, Studies and Plans Engineer
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