ICC approves rail safety improvements in three communities
Written by jrood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Illinois Commerce Commission has granted approval Grade-crossing safety improvements in three communities across the state. ICC OKed the installation of automatic flashing light signals and gates at the 130th Street grade crossing of BNSF track located near Cameron, Warren County. The estimated cost to install automatic flashing light signals and gates is $234,377. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund will be used to pay 95 percent of the warning device installation costs, not to exceed $222,658. BNSF will pay all remaining installation costs, as well as all future operating and maintenance costs.
The Commission granted
approval for the installation of automatic flashing light signals and gates and
relocating the existing highway approaches at the Township Rd. 192 highway-rail
grade crossing of BNSF track located near Oneida in Knox County. The estimated
cost to install the new automatic flashing light signals and gates is $233,391;
the estimated cost to relocate the crossing surface is $84,578. The GCPF will
be used to pay 85 percent of the warning device installation costs, not to
exceed $198,382, and 85 percent of the relocated crossing surface costs, not to
exceed $71,891. BNSF will pay the remaining warning device installation costs
and relocated crossing surface costs, as well as all future operating and
maintenance costs.
ICC approved the installation
of automatic flashing light signals and gates at the 2750E (County Highway 19)
grade crossing of BNSF track located near Zearing, Bureau County. The estimated cost to install the new automatic
flashing light signals and gates is $224,428. The GCPF will be used to pay 85
percent of the warning device installation costs, not to exceed $190,764. Bureau
County will pay 10 percent of the installation costs, not to exceed $22,443. BNSF
will pay all remaining warning device installation costs, as well as all future
operating and maintenance costs.
All work is to be completed
by Nov. 12, 2010.
Project selection and
management of GCPF highway-rail safety projects includes safety improvements
such as the installation of new warning systems, highway approach improvements
and the construction/reconstruction of grade separation structures. The
Commission administers the GCPF, which is funded by motor fuel tax money
designated for rail safety improvements. The General Assembly appropriates $42
million annually for GCPF projects.
