ICC Approves Rail Safety Upgrades for Kane County

Springfield, IL - Today, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved the installation of new automatic warning devices at the Brier Hill Road highway-rail crossing (AAR/DOT #372266K) of Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad's track near Hampshire in Kane County. 

"The Grade Crossing Protection Fund enables the ICC and the state to help communities across Illinois make necessary safety improvements to highway-rail crossings," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan. "These improvements will keep motorists and pedestrians safe while they're near train tracks." 

The total estimated cost of the signal design and construction is $359,891. ICC staff recommends that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 95 percent of the signal design and construction costs, in an amount not to exceed $341,896.

The Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad will pay 5 percent of the cost to design and install the new crossing warning devices, and the entire cost of future maintenance of the signals and circuitry. 

All work is required to be completed within 18 months of the order date. 

For more details, please refer to Docket No. T24-0137. 

The ICC encourages all rail crossing users to remain vigilant and adhere to safety regulations in and around crossings.

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 ICC 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. Read more information on the ICC's annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program 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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