Crossing projects advance in Illinois, Montana and Washington

The Illinois Commerce Commission on Feb. 20 voted to allocate $7.8 million from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) toward the construction of a two-lane highway bridge over CN/Illinois Central tracks in Champaign, Ill. 

Expected to take 36 months to complete, the bridge is part of a long-range plan for an east-west highway route that would extend from Interstate 57 on the northwest side of Champaign to Route 45 north of Urbana.

The project's total cost is estimated at $15.7 million, which includes engineering work, construction, utility relocations and right-of-way acquisitions. GCPF funds will cover a portion of the costs to construct the bridge, highway approaches and other necessary improvements.

The Illinois Department of Transportation will provide about $3.3 million, city of Champaign will allocate $752,000, and Urbana and Champaign counties each will contribute $177,000 for the project.

In Washington state, the Utilities and Transportation Commission last week approved a $20,000 GCPF grant that will enable the Washington & Idaho Railway to upgrade warning devices at a grade crossing on Whitman Street in Pullman.
 
The railroad will install new crossbucks and LED lights, and replace the battery charger and surge protection panel. In addition, an upgraded train detection system will be installed to warn motorists and pedestrians when a train is approaching the crossing.
 
The Whitman Street crossing averages 1,320 vehicles and two freight trains daily.

Meanwhile, the Montana Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on the proposed installation of signals, flashing lights and gates at the Holly Street crossing in Sidney.

The work will be performed in conjunction with BNSF Railway Co. The department would provide funding for the work and BNSF would install the equipment. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in fall.