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The Illinois Commerce Commission recently approved plans to provide Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) program grants for two grade crossing improvement projects.

The commission will contribute $206,750 — or 95 percent of necessary funds — to upgrade a Union Pacific Railroad crossing near Altamont. The Class I will fund the remaining 5 percent.

To be completed in August 2008, the project calls for installing automatic flashings and gates. The commission also will provide $74,000 in GCPF funds to pay the entire cost of reconstructing highway approaches.

Meanwhile, the commission will fund $272,271, or 95 percent of all costs, to upgrade two Illinois Central Railroad Co./Canadian National Railway Co. crossings in Marissa. IC/CN will cover remaining project costs.

Also to be completed in August 2008, the project calls for installing automatic flashing lights and gates controlled by constant warning-time circuits.

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.