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The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved plans for four crossing upgrade projects, including two on Norfolk Southern Corp.'s system.

The commission also allotted Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) monies to cover 95 percent of the cost for the projects, all of which are slated for completion in May 2009. 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.

The ICC will provide $341,632 for upgrades to an NS crossing in Deer Creek. The project calls for installing new automatic flashing light signals and gates, and reconstructing and raising a siding track crossing surface. In addition, the commission will provide $178,104 for an NS crossing upgrade near Illiopolis. The project includes the installation of automatic flashing light signals and gates with a bell controlled by constant warning-time circuitry. NS will cover remaining costs for both projects and perform the surface work at the Deer Creek crossing.

Meanwhile, the ICC will provide $147,695 for upgrades to an Illinois & Midland Railroad crossing in Kilbourne. The project includes the installation of automatic flashing light signals. The Illinois & Midland will pay remaining installation costs, and cover future operating and maintenance expenses.

Finally, the commission will provide $142,703 to upgrade a Chicago, Central, and Pacific Railroad Co. crossing in Burlington. The project calls for installing automatic flashing light signals and gates with a bell controlled by constant warning-time circuitry, and equipping the crossing with an event recorder and a remote monitoring system. The Chicago, Central and Pacific will pay the remainder of installation costs and cover future operating and maintenance expenses.