ICC Approves Annual Five-Year Crossing Safety Improvement Program
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Illinois Commerce Commission (courtesy ICC)
CHICAGO - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved its annual five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program. The program (FY 2026-2030) seeks to implement safety upgrades at crossings across the state.
According to the ICC, funding from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) and Rebuild Illinois (RBI) will go toward the costs of various projects at more than 900 crossing locations. It plans to use funds from the GCPF to cover “26 highway bridges, eight pedestrian projects, 358 warning device upgrades, and 571 low-cost improvements at 963 crossing locations.” The projects also include upgrades to lighting, gates, and automatic warning devices at crossings, and grade separation work. Project priority is based on the safety surrounding the crossing, history of collisions, traffic, geography, and engineering requirements, according to the ICC.
ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said, “Illinois’ rail system is made up of more than 10,000 public crossings. The ICC’s Crossing Safety Improvement Plan is an essential tool for improving our state’s rail infrastructure and reducing the risk of collisions.”
ICC Rail Safety Specialist Aisha Jackson said, “Track tragedies are preventable tragedies. Knowing how to make safe decisions around train tracks can be lifesaving information. In an emergency, always get off the tracks, then look for the blue and white sign.”
