ICC Approves Safety Upgrades for Effingham County Highway-Rail Crossing Projects

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Commerce Commission approved public safety projects for multiple highway-rail crossing in Effingham County. The agreement requires Illinois Central Railroad Company to install new automatic warning devices and highway approach grade improvements at the N 2000TH Street (AAR/DOT #292650K, railroad milepost 170.00-X), N 1700th Street (AAR/DOT #292662E, railroad milepost IC-173.25-X), and N 1600th Street crossings (AAR/DOT #292665A, railroad milepost IC-174.25-X).

The estimated cost to design and install the new warning devices at the crossings is $1,124,104. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 95 percent of the costs, not to exceed $1,067,900. The highway approach improvements will total an estimated $123,305, of which the GCPF will be used to pay 100 percent of the costs. Illinois Central Railroad Company will pay all remaining design and installation costs, as well as all future costs to operating and maintenance costs for the new warning devices and circuitry.

"Investments like the ones in Effingham County highlight how the Grade Crossing Protection Fund is being used to improve rail safety all over the state. These automatic warning signals and highway approach improvements will be crucial for keeping pedestrians, motorists, and passengers safe near railroad tracks," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.

All work is expected to be completed within 18 months of the Order date.

To read Stipulated Agreement 2240 in Docket No. T23-0046 click here.

ABOUT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS GRADE CROSSING PROTECTION FUND (GCPF) In 1955, the State of Illinois passed legislation creating the GCPF. Since then, Illinois has strengthened its commitment to public highway-rail safety by increasing funding toward projects such as the closure and consolidation of existing public crossings, installation of new warning systems, highway approach improvements, upgrades to existing warning devices and interconnection to nearby traffic signals, construction/reconstruction of grade separation structures and the construction of pedestrian grade separations. 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 the GCPPF. For more information and to see the ICC's annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program, click here.