ICC approves bridge replacement, grade-crossing and safety improvements in Illinois

The Illinois Commerce Commission has granted approval for the demolition and reconstruction of the East Denker Road Bridge over the Illinois Central Railroad's track near Bluford, Jefferson County. The total estimated cost for the bridge replacement is $761,000. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will be used to pay 60 percent of the project costs, not to exceed $456,000. The Illinois Central Railroad Company is paying 10 percent of the costs, not to exceed $76,100. Jefferson County and the Webber Township Road District will pay all remaining construction costs, as well as all future maintenance costs related to the new bridge. All work is to be completed by Dec. 2, 2012. ICC also approved BNSF to renew grade-crossing surfaces at State Street near Litchfield, Waggoner Road near Girard, North 1150th Road near Adair and 1175E Road near Gladstone. The estimated cost of materials and contractual services for asphalt paving and work zone traffic control is $265,916. The GCPF will be used to pay 100 percent of these costs, not to exceed $265,916. BNSF will pay all other costs, including labor, to install the new surfaces, as well as all future maintenance costs. All work is to be completed by Sept. 2, 2011. In addition, ICC granted approval for the installation of new automatic flashing light signals and gates and roadway approach grade improvements at the 90E Road/TR 12 and 150E Road/TR 24 grade crossings of the Norfolk Southern Railway Company's track near Homer, Vermilion County. The total estimated cost for the new automatic warning devices is $530,906 and the GCPF will be used to pay 95 percent of the signal installation costs, not to exceed $504,361. Norfolk Southern will pay all remaining installation costs, as well as all future operating and maintenance costs related to the new automatic warning devices. The total estimated cost for improving the highway approaches at both crossings is $148,725. The GCPF will be used to pay 100 percent of the highway approach improvement costs, not to exceed $148,725. The signal installation work is to be completed within 12 months and the highway approach work is to be completed within 18 months.