ICC Approves Upgrades in Kankakee and Carroll Counties
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Illinois Commerce Commission (courtesy ICC)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved upgrades in both Kankakee County and Carroll County.
Kankakee County
At County Road 11000 North near Grant Park, approved funding from ICC will go toward installing automatic flashing lights and gates. This project includes widening the crossing surface and making highway approach improvements. The total estimated cost is $701,756 with the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) paying 95% of said cost, or no more than $666,668. The remaining 5% is left to Union Pacific Railroad for design, installation, and maintenance. The ICC says the Yellowed Township Road District is responsible for any highway approach. maintenance 24 inches beyond the rails.
ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said, “These upgrades will save lives, and the Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible to install modernized warning devices at highway-rail crossings in communities across Illinois.”
Carroll County
In Carroll County, approved funding from the ICC will go toward improving public safety at three separate crossings. Located at Riverview Circle highway-grade crossing, Doty Road, and Powerlab Road crossings, automatic flashing lights and gates will be installed. The total combined cost for the project is $1,006,736 with the GCPF paying 95% of the cost, or no more than $956,396. BNSF is responsible for the remaining 5% for design, installation, operating and maintenance costs.
Also, the ICC approved the allocation of $38,640 for approach grade modifications located at Powerlab Road crossing. This will be completely covered through the GCPF. For any maintenance costs at the Powerlab Road highway approaches 24 inches beyond the rails, the Carroll County Highway Department is responsible.
ICC Commissioner Carrigan said “These upgrades will save lives, and the Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible to install modernized warning devices at highway-rail crossings in communities across Illinois.”
