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Yesterday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved four grade crossing projects and one bridge replacement project.

The commission will provide $450,500 from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to fund 90 percent of the cost to upgrade three BNSF Railway Co. crossings in Hinckley. To be completed in February 2009, the project calls for installing automatic flashing light signals and gates controlled by constant warning time circuitry, and equipping the crossings with event recorders and remote monitoring systems. BNSF will fund the remainder of the $500,600 project and maintain the signals, gates and circuitry.

The ICC also will provide $227,800 from the GCPF to fund 80 percent of the cost to close a BNSF crossing and build a connecting road by February 2009 in Coal City. The Class I will cover remaining costs for the $292,800 project.

In addition, the commission will provide $62,400 from the GCPF to cover 30 percent of the cost to upgrade a BNSF crossing near Colmar. Also to be completed in February 2009, the project calls for installing automatic flashing light signals and gates featuring a bell controlled by constant warning time circuitry. The Illinois Department of Transportation and BNSF will cover remaining costs for the $207,900 project.

The fourth approved crossing project, involving an Illinois Central Railroad/Canadian National Railway Co. crossing near Irvington, will be 95 percent funded by $176,300 from the GCPF. To be completed in one year, the project calls for installing automatic flashing light signals and gates controlled by constant warning time circuitry, as well as an event recorder and remote monitoring system. The railroad will cover remaining costs.

Finally, the ICC will provide $478,600 from the GCPF to cover 60 percent of the cost to demolish and rebuild a bridge over IC/CN's track near Belle Rive. The township and railroad will fund the remainder of the $797,700 project, to be completed by August 2009, that calls for replacing a timber structure with a new concrete three-span bridge.

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.