ICC Authorizes Supplemental Funds for Decatur Crossing Improvements

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved $5 million in supplemental funds for the construction and modification of various rail safety upgrades in the City of Decatur. The projects are designed to remedy frequent and lengthy blockages that make it difficult for residents and first responders to pass through existing at-grade road crossings with Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) and Illinois Central Railroad Company (IC) tracks near the Archer Daniels Midland facility.

The supplemental funds from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) were awarded to address higher construction bids than originally anticipated and will allow the City of Decatur to:

1.Construct a highway overpass structure above the NS track above the current NS crossing 328516E on Brush College Road

2.Gate the IC crossing 291386B on Faries Parkway

3.Relocate and gate the IC crossing 291384M on Harrison Avenue

"Keeping communities safe alongside train tracks has been a longstanding priority for the ICC, and as a long-time Decatur resident, I've seen the impact of these rail safety initiatives firsthand. These projects will greatly improve emergency vehicle access, school bus safety, and better accommodate increased traffic in our area," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.

This project represents a major, long-term investment in the public safety and convenience for Decatur residents and has won the attention of local, state, and federal rail safety initiatives. In December of 2021, the ICC previously authorized nearly $15 million from the GCPF. The additional $5 million will raise the ICC staff's recommended GCPF assistance to an amount not to exceed $19.95 million. The city also recently obtained $16 million from the Federal Railroad Administration's Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, in addition to previously secured funding from federal and state Freight Program Funds. The total project funding will equal the $83,350,657 anticipated costs.

"Thanks to funding from the Commission, Decatur has been able to obtain additional federal funds to help ensure this safety project moves forward," said ICC Senior Rail Safety Specialist Aaron Toliver. "In Decatur and all over Illinois, ICC staff have taken inflation and the higher project costs that come with it into account, so that communities across the state are able to reap the benefits of updated rail safety infrastructure."

The Supplemental Order can be found in Docket No. T18-0082.

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 GCPF. For more information and to see the ICC's annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program, click here.

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate, reliable, efficient and safe utility services at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water and sewer public utility companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal property warehouses and repossession agencies. The Commission's Rail Safety Program also inspects and regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities and equipment in the state.

To learn more about the Commission, its offices and bureaus, click here. If you are a consumer who needs help resolving a utility dispute call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint here. For a complaint related to transportation, call 217-782-6448.

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