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

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Commerce Commission approved public safety projects for multiple highway-rail crossing in Iroquois County. The agreement requires CSX Transportation, Inc. to install new automatic warning devices and highway approach grade improvements at the at the 1170N (AAR/DOT #353634W, milepost OZA-84.85) and the 2200E (AAR/DOT #353636K, milepost OZA-86.18) highway-rail grade crossings near Milford.

The estimated cost to design and install the new warning devices at the crossings is $872,019. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 95 percent of the costs, not to exceed $828,418. CSX will cover five percent of the cost to design and install the new crossing warning devices, and any future maintenance of the signals and circuitry.

The estimated cost to improve the highway approach grade at the crossings is $222,900, 100 percent of which will be covered by the GCPF. Milford Township will pay all future maintenance costs for the new rehabilitated approaches.

"Projects like the ones near Milford are necessary to keep pedestrians and motorists safe on or near railroad tracks and trains. The GCPF makes it possible for local communities to make these much-needed upgrades," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.

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

To read Stipulated Agreement 2259 in Docket No. T23-0065 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 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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