ICC Approves Rail Safety Upgrades Near Zeigler

Springfield, IL - On Thursday, the Illinois Commerce Commission authorized the installation of new automatic flashing light signals with gates at the Dry Road (AAR/DOT #431086B; railroad milepost 307.35-E) and Creek Nation Blacktop (AAR/DOT #431085U, railroad milepost 307.57-E) highway-rail grade crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad Company tracks near Zeigler in Franklin County.

"Highway-rail grade crossing upgrades prevent collisions, keeping pedestrians and motorist safer on our roadways," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan. "The Grade Crossing Protection Fund helps critical life-saving projects like these in Franklin County to become a reality for communities across Illinois."

The total combined estimated cost of the signal design and construction at both crossings is $728,688. ICC Staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund be used to pay 95 percent of the signal design and construction costs in an amount not to exceed $692,254. Union Pacific Railroad Company will pay 5 percent of the cost to design and install the new crossing warning devices, and the cost of future maintenance of the signals and circuitry.

All work must be completed within eighteen (18) months from the Order date.

More information may be found in Stipulated Agreement 2349, Docket No. T25-0007.

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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