Illinois panel OKs crossing upgrades for Iroquois County

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved a stipulated agreement to install new automated warning devices and other public safety improvements at the County Road 2700 North grade crossing near Ashkum.

The total estimated cost of the signal design and installation is $410,176. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 95% of the signal design and construction costs, not to exceed $389,667.

Illinois Central Railroad will cover the remaining 5% of the cost and all future maintenance expenses for the signals and circuitry. The total estimated cost of improving the west highway grade approach is $68,040, 100% of which will be covered by the GCPF.

"The Grade Crossing Protection Fund helps local governments and railroads across Illinois to make important public safety improvements to their existing rail infrastructure," said ICC Commissioner Michael Carrigan in a press release. "Projects like the ones in Iroquois County go a long way toward keeping Illinoisans safe on and alongside train tracks."