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Last week, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved plans for two more grade crossing upgrade projects, which will be completed in January 2009.

The commission will provide $250,000 from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to cover 91 percent of the cost to upgrade a Norfolk Southern Railway crossing in Alorton. The project calls for installing automatic flashing signals and gates, and reconstructing the crossing surface. NS will cover remaining project costs.

The ICC also will provide $125,700 from the GCPF to cover 95 percent of the cost to upgrade a Canadian National Railway Co./Illinois Central Railroad Co. crossing near Mattoon. The railroad, which will install automatic flashing signals and gates, will pay remaining project costs.

Funded by motor fuel taxes, the GCPF provides $27 million annually for highway-rail safety projects, including warning system installations, highway approach improvements and grade separations.