ICC Approves Rail Crossing Upgrades in Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and St. Clair Counties
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
icc.illinois.gov
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Commerce Commission approved stipulated agreements for rail crossing safety upgrades in St. Clair, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties.
In Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties, the ICC approved installing new automatic warning gates at multiple rail crossings. These are located at Canyon Park Road, W. Buckhill Road, Council Hill Road, N. Hill Road, N. Baker Road, and N. Waddams Grove Road. These are on Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroad tracks. The estimated cost for the design and construction of these upgrades is around $3.3 million. It is recommended the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) cover up to 95% of the cost, or a little over $3.1 million. Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroad Company is responsible for the remaining 5% and any future maintenance costs.
ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said, “Enhancing the safety of Illinois’ rail crossings is vital for everyone who lives, works, and travels along train tracks. . . Infrastructure improvements like the ones in Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties will help upgrade essential warning systems, reducing the risk of collisions and fostering safer travel for everyone.”
In St. Clair County, the ICC approved an agreement to enhance safety measures at three rail crossings near New Athens and Lenzburg. These crossings are located at Nuernberger Road, Golden Rule Mine St, and South Main St. These are on Illinois Central Railroad’s tracks. The estimated cost of these upgrades is around $1.6 million with a recommendation that the GCPF be used to cover 95%, or $1,514,574. The rehabilitation of the existing highway approaches is estimated to be $525,156 which will be fully covered by the GCPF. The remaining 5% of the design and construction and any future maintenance costs will be left to Illinois Central Railroad.
