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

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Commerce Commission approved public safety projects for multiple highway-rail crossing in Cumberland County. The agreement requires CSX Transportation, Inc. to replace the existing warning devices with all new automatic warning devices and circuitry at the County Road 2350 East highway-rail grade crossing (AAR/DOT #546373J, milepost 110.50-QS) near Casey; County Roads 2200 East (AAR/DOT #546376E, milepost 111.98-QS) and 700 East (AAR/DOT #546415T, milepost 128.62-QS) near Jewett; and County Road 575 East (AR/DOT #546417G, milepost 129.90-QS) near Montrose in Cumberland County, Illinois.

The estimated cost to design and install the new warning devices at the crossings is $1,944,938. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 95 percent of the costs, not to exceed $1,847,691. The estimated cost to improve the highway approach grade at the crossings is $191,280. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 100 percent of the costs, not to exceed $191,280. CSX Transportation, Inc. will pay five percent of the cost to design and install the new warning devices at the crossings and all future maintenance costs for the signals and circuitry. The Union Township will pay all costs of future maintenance costs for the rehabilitated approaches in their respective jurisdictions.

"Projects like the ones in Cumberland County 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 2274 in Docket No. T23-0060 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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