ICC approves Stephenson County rail safety upgrades

Springfield, IL - On Thursday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) authorized public safety upgrades at the Five Corners Rd (AAR/DOT #306846Y) and Crossroads Rd (AAR/DOT #306848M) highway-rail grade crossings of Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroads' (CC&P) tracks near Lena.

"The Grade Crossing Protection Fund helps make critical public safety projects like the ones in Lena a reality for communities all over Illinois," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan. "Warning signals, roadway approaches, and other improvements to Illinois' existing railroad infrastructure is an important measure for preventing train collisions, keeping anyone who crosses train tracks safer." 

The total estimated cost of the new automatic warning signal design, construction, and installation is $1,131,598. The estimated cost to rehabilitate the existing roadway approaches is $50,802. ICC staff recommend the Grade Crossing Protection Fund be used to pay 100 percent of the approach costs and 95 percent of the signal design and construction costs, not to exceed $1,075,018. 

CC&P will pay the remaining 5 percent of the warning sign costs, along with all future maintenance costs related to the signals and their circuitry. 

All work must be completed within 18 months from the order date. 

More information may be found in Stipulated Agreement 2338 in Docket No. T25-0011.

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 847-294-4326.

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