MARION – The City of Marion and IDOT are coming together to make what has been dubbed by some as “the most dangerous intersection in Marion” safer for pedestrians.

The Marion City Council Monday night approved a signal modification and ADA improvement agreement with IDOT for the Halfway Road/Route 13 intersection.

Marion Chief of Staff Cody Moake says a crosswalk will be installed on the east side of the intersection moving north and south with an area of refuge between the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 13.

Moake says since people are crossing in that area anyway, there’s an obligation there to provide a safe way to cross the intersection. Plans also call for putting in better lighting at the intersection.

The total project cost is $575,000. The city is responsible for $19,380 with the state responsible for $37,670. The federal government will pay $517,000.

IDOT will open bids for this project in June with construction starting soon after. It should be completed by the end of this year.