Illinois commission OKs latest round of grade crossing upgrades

The Illinois Commerce Commission last week approved funding for public safety improvements at several grade crossings.

The crossings are located in Boone, Bureau, DeWitt, Effingham, Greene, LaSalle, Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Richland and Rock Island counties.

Funds provided for each crossing project include:

• $3.13 million for the installation of automatic warning devices at crossings in Bureau, Putnam, Marshall and Rock Island counties. The total cost is $3.3 million, with crossing owner Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) responsible for paying all remaining costs;
• $2.1 million for the installation of automatic warning devices at crossings in Olney, Richland County, owned by CSX. The total cost is $2.23 million, with CSX responsible for paying all remaining costs;
• $1.14 million for the installation of new automatic flashing light signals and gates at crossings in Peoria County, owned by IAIS. The total cost is $1.2 million, with IAIS responsible for paying all remaining costs;
• $1.06 million for the installation of new automatic flashing light signals and gates at crossings near White Hall and Roodhouse, Greene County, owned by Kansas City Southern. The total cost is $1,124,500, with KCS responsible for paying all remaining costs;
• $336,627 for the installation of new automatic warning devices at a crossing in Bishop Township, Effingham County, owned by Illinois Central Railroad (IC). The total cost is $343,818, with IC responsible for paying all remaining costs;
• $311,531 for the installation of new automatic warning devices and approach grade improvements at a crossing in Santa Anna Township, DeWitt County, owned by IC. The total cost is $327,927, with IC responsible for paying all remaining costs; and
• $242,376 for the installation of new automatic warning devices at a crossing in Belvidere, Boone County, owned by Union Pacific Railroad. The total cost is $255,133, with UP responsible for paying all remaining costs.