ICC Approves Safety Upgrades for Three Illinois Counties

Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
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icc.illinois.gov

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved safety upgrades for Highway-Rail Crossing Projects.

The ICC approved safety upgrades for various highway-rail crossing projects across the state of Illinois. 

In Stephenson County, the safety upgrade is estimated to cost around $385,492 and will require “Chicago, Central, and Pacific Railroad Company (CC&P) to install new automatic warning devices at the Bridge Street crossing near Lena”. The funds were recommended to come from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund in order to pay for approximately 95% of the cost with CC&P paying the remaining cost and any future maintenance expenses.

The safety upgrade in Effingham County requires the Illinois Central Railroad Company to “install new automatic warning devices and highway approach grade improvements at the N 2000th Street and N 1600thStreet Crossings”. The cost for this upgrade also comes from the GCPF fund and is estimated to be $1,124,104 with The Illinois Central Railroad Company responsible for remaining installation and future maintenance costs. 

The Illinois Central Railroad Company is also set to install “new automatic warning devices at two Old Freeburg Road highway-rail grade crossings” in St. Clair County. After 95% of the cost coming from the GCPF, the Illinois Central Railroad Company is responsible for remaining installation and future maintenance costs for this upgrade as well.Work on these upgrades should be completed within 18 months. ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan stressed the importance of safety in each of these upgrades and stated, “Investments . . . highlight how the Grade Crossing Protection Fund is being used to improve rail safety all over the state. These automatic warning signals will be crucial for keeping pedestrians, motorists, and passengers safe near railroad tracks”. 

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