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The Illinois Commerce Commission on Wednesday approved plans for two grade crossing improvement projects.

The state and BNSF Railway Co. will improve a crossing near Neponset. To be completed by October 2008, the project calls for installing automatic flashing light signals and gates.

The state's Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will cover 95 percent of the project's $196,200 cost. BNSF will fund warning device installation costs, and cover future operating and maintenance expenses.

Administered by the commission, the GCPF is funded by motor fuel taxes designated for rail safety improvements. The state appropriates $27 million annually for GCPF-related projects.

The GCPF also will fund the majority of a crossing improvement project near Channahon. The state, a local township and CSX Transportation will spend $187,600 to install automatic flashing light signals and gates with a bell that will be controlled by constant warning time circuitry. To be completed by October 2008, the project also calls for installing an event recorder and remote monitoring system.

The GCPF will cover 85 percent of the project's cost. The Troy Township Road District will cover 10 percent and CSXT, the remaining 5 percent.