ICC Approved Highway-Rail Crossing Upgrades
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
icc.illinois.gov
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved highway-rail crossing upgrades for several counties across Illinois.
Fayette County
A stipulated agreement was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission to install new automated warning devices at roads that intersect CSX tracks in Fayette County. The total cost is estimated to be $3,468,140 with the Grade Crossing Protection Fund covering 95% of the total cost ($3,294,733). According to the report, CSX will pay the remaining 5% as well as any future maintenance costs.
- County Road 2000 East near St. Elmo
- County Road 1950 East and County Road 1900 East near Brownstown
- County Road 1700 East
- County Road 950 East near Vandalia
- County Road 300 East near Hagerstown
Knox County
Two agreements were approved to install new automated warning devices and gates at multiple grade crossings in Knox County.
- County Road 2800 North crossing of BNSF’s track near Rio and County Road 2200 North: The estimated total cost is $429,746, and the GCPF will be used to pay 95% of the signal design and construction costs ($408,257). BNSF will pay 100% of the cost to install STOP signs ad replace YIELD signs until the new warning devices are in service.
- County Highway 35 crossings of BNSF’s track near Henderson: The total estimated cost is $976,248 with the GCPF paying up to 95% of the cost ($927,435). BNSF is responsible for the remaining 5% to design and install new devices as well as future maintenance costs.
Douglas County
An agreement to install automated warning devices at County Road 1550 North highway-rail grade crossing near Illinois Central Railroad Company’s track was approved. The estimated cost for signal design and installation is $375,452. GCPF will pay 95% of the cost ($356,679). Illinois Central will pay the remaining 5% as well as future maintenance costs.
For highway approach grade improvements, the total cost is $292,501 that will be covered completely by the GCPF.
Mattoon
In the City of Mattoon, an agreement was approved to install automated warning devices at South 32nd St highway-rail grade crossing near Illinois Central Railroad Company’s track. The total estimated cost is $375,469 with the GCPF paying 95% ($356,696). Illinois Central will pay the remaining 5% as well as future maintenance costs.
Decatur
In the City of Decatur, stipulated agreements to replace outdated crossing warning devices was approved. These are located at two Illinois Central Railroad highway-rail grade crossings along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The estimated cost of the first crossing is $474,624. The cost of the second crossing is $509,097. The ICC has reported the GCPF will pay up to 95% of each, or $450,892 and $483,642, respectively. Illinois Central is responsible for the remaining 5% as well as future maintenance costs.
Additionally, the ICC has recommended the GCPF pay for 100% of the cost to replace “outdated traffic signal control equipment, new interconnect cabling, blank out signs, and fiber optic connection to the City’s traffic signals.” This is not to exceed $239,850.
“Keeping Illinoisans safe on and alongside train tracks is a top priority for the ICC,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan. “The Grade Crossing Protection Fund enables local governments and railroads across Illinois to make much-needed safety improvements to their rail infrastructure.”
