advertisement

---

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved plans for four grade crossing improvement projects, which will be completed by November 2008.

Through the state's Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF), the commission will provide 95 percent of the $284,150 cost to improve a Norfolk Southern Railway crossing near Barry. The project calls for installing automatic flashing light signals and gates, and improving highway approach grades.

The ICC also will provide 95 percent of the $128,020 cost to improve an Illinois Central Railroad Co./Canadian National Railway Co. crossing near Ludlow. The project includes the installation of new automatic flashing light signals and gates controlled by constant warning-time circuitry, and improvements to a highway approach grade.

In addition, the ICC also will fund 85 percent of the $120,468 cost to upgrade a Crab Orchard and Egyptian Railroad crossing in Herrin. The project calls for installing automatic flashing light signals and reconstructing a crossing surface.

Finally, the commission will fund 95 percent of the $189,500 cost to improve a BNSF Railway Co. crossing near Christopher. The project calls for installing automatic flashing light signals and gates, and improving highway approach grades.

Funded by motor fuel taxes designated for rail safety improvements, the GCPF program provides $27 million annually for crossing upgrades and the construction or reconstruction of grade separations.