Illinois commission OKs crossing upgrades on UP track

The Illinois Commerce Commission last week approved plans for improvement projects at two grade crossings in Marion County.

Union Pacific Railroad, which owns the track at the crossings, will install new automatic warning devices at the Basom Road crossing near Salem and the Currie Road crossing near Kinmundy. Alma township crews will reconstruct the existing highway approaches at both crossings, ICC officials said in a press release.

The total cost is $650,247 for the automatic warning devices. The state will reimburse UP for up to 95% of costs not to exceed $617,735. The Class I will be responsible for the remaining costs as well as all future maintenance expenses.

UP will also be entirely reimbursed for the reconstruction of the highway approaches, estimated at $314,000, with the township responsible for all future maintenance costs.

The funds come from the state's Grade Crossing Protection Fund. All work is expected to be completed within 12 months, ICC officials said.