ICC Approves Safety Upgrades for Stark County Highway-Rail Crossing Project

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Commerce Commission approved public safety projects for a highway-rail crossing in Stark County. The agreement requires Union Pacific Railroad Company to install new automatic warning devices, temporary STOP signs, and road approach improvements at the County Line Road crossing (AAR/DOT #175646A) near Speer. 

The estimated cost to design and install the warning signals is $399,028. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 95 percent of the costs, not to exceed $379,077. The estimated cost to improve the existing highway approach grades at the crossings is $43,291. ICC staff recommended that the GCPF be used to pay 100 percent of the costs, not to exceed $43,291. Union Pacific will pay the remaining 5 percent, along with all future circuitry costs, and the Valley Township will pay all future maintenance costs for the newly rehabilitated highway approaches. 

"Illinois' Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible for local communities to make much-needed upgrades to their rail safety infrastructure. Projects like the ones in Stark County are an essential tool for keeping drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safe near tracks and trains." said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.  

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

To read Stipulated Agreement 2287 in Docket No. T23-0112 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. 

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION (ICC) 

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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