ICC Approves Grade Crossing Projects in Logan, Randolph Counties

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on Feb. 6 reported signing off on stipulated agreements to improve safety at highway/rail grade crossings in Logan and Randolph counties.

The Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GDPF) will cover part of the projects’ expenses, according to ICC, which administers the fund. The Illinois General Assembly appropriates $42 million annually for GCPF.

The four newly approved projects are:

• Logan County, $336,188, One Project. CN subsidiary Illinois Central Railroad Company will install new automatic warning devices at the Chapel Road/700th Steet highway/rail crossing (designated as AAR/DOT #292789T, railroad milepost 54.20-B) near Mt. Pulaski. GCPF will cover up to 95% of the signal design and construction costs, not to exceed $319,379. Illinois Central will pay all remaining costs as well as all future operating and maintenance costs for the new warning devices and circuitry. All work is slated for completion by August 2024.
• Randolph County, $1.09 Million, Three Projects. Illinois Central will install new automatic warning devices at the N.4th Street (AAR/DOT #296137M, Railroad milepost 46.5-G) highway/rail grade crossing in Coulterville and at a highway/rail grade crossing (AAR/DOT #294782C, railroad milepost 592.50-MM) near Sparta. The total combined estimated cost for the devices is $950,740. GCPF will cover up to 95% of the signal design and construction costs, not to exceed $903,203. Illinois Central will cover all remaining signal design and installation costs, plus all future operating and maintenance costs for the new warning devices and circuitry. Also required is the rehabilitation of existing highway approaches to the Coulterville crossing. GCPF will pay for all of the design and construction costs, in an amount not to exceed $134,844. The village of Coulterville will continue to be responsible for maintaining the approaches. All work is expected to be completed by August 2024.

“The ICC is committed to keeping everyone safe near and around railroad tracks,” ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said. “The Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible for communities across Illinois to get life-saving rail safety projects completed. That’s a win for anyone who traverses these crossings.”

In related developments, ICC in December 2022 reported approving stipulated agreements for highway/rail grade crossing projects in Fayette, Pike, Stephenson and McLean counties.