Illinois Commerce Commission Gives a Green Light to $376 Million For Rail Safety Improvements
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
Illinois Commerce Commission (courtesy ICC)
CHICAGO – This week, $370 million was allocated to the annual five-year (FY 2027-2031) Crossing Safety Improvement Program in Illinois by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for upgrading rail-highway crossings in the state to make them safer.
ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said “Illinois is home to more than 10,000 public highway-rail crossings. The ICC’s Crossing Safety Improvement Program sets priority rail safety projects in motion for the upcoming year and beyond with the aim of preventing train collisions and saving lives.
The plan authorizes $376 million in funding for grade crossing safety improvements and highway-rail grade separations at approximately 387 crossing locations. Specifically, the money is earmarked for 21 highway bridges, six pedestrian projects, upgrades to 336 warning devices, and 24 low-cost crossing improvements. In 2025 alone, the Federal Railroad Administration reported that there were 119 collisions at public crossings in Illinois and 34 fatalities.
ICC Rail Safety Specialist Aisha Jackson said “New automatic warning signs, crossing gates, and grade separation projects go a long way toward keeping motorists and pedestrians safe around tracks and trains. Equally important is knowledge. If you find yourself stuck on train tracks, exit the car
immediately. Once safely off the tracks, look for the blue and white sign posted at the crossing, and call
the emergency number to alert the railroad of the danger ahead.”
More information on CSIP projects and an interactive map of current projects are available on the ICC’s
website.
