ICC Approves Highway/Rail Grade Crossing Projects
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor, Railway Age
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has signed off on stipulated agreements to improve safety at highway/rail grade crossings in Cumberland and Stark counties. Total cost: $1.84 million.
The Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GDPF) will cover part of the projects’ expenses, ICC reported Jan. 3. The Illinois General Assembly appropriates $42 million annually for GCPF, which is administered by ICC.
The approved safety projects are:
- Cumberland County Projects, $1,397,408: CSX will install new automatic warning devices and highway approach grade improvements at the County Road 2100 East (AAR/DOT #546378T) and County Road 2050 East (AAR/DOT#546379A) crossings. The estimated cost to design and install the warning signals is $1,278,362; ICC recommended using GCPF to cover 95%, not to exceed $1,214,443. The estimated cost to improve the existing highway approach grades at the crossings is $119,046; ICC recommended using GCPF to pay 100% of the costs, not to exceed $119,046. CSX will pay the remaining 5%, along with all future circuitry costs, and the Crooked Creek Township will pay all future maintenance costs for the new rehabilitated approaches.
- Stark County Projects, $442,319: Union Pacific (UP) will install new automatic warning devices, temporary STOP signs, and road approach improvements at the County Line Road crossing (AAR/DOT #175646A) near Speer. Warning signal design and installation costs are estimated at $399,028; ICC recommended that GCPF cover 95%, not to exceed $379,077. Improving the existing highway approach grades at the crossings is estimated to cost $43,291; ICC recommended using GCPF to pay 100%, not to exceed $43,291. UP will pay the remaining 5%, along with all future circuitry costs, and the Valley Township will cover all future maintenance costs for the newly rehabilitated highway approaches.
“Illinois’ Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible for local communities to make much-needed upgrades to their rail safety infrastructure,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan, who noted that projects like these “are an essential tool for keeping drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safe near tracks and trains.”
All work is expected to be completed within 18 months, according to ICC.
