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Last week, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) issued an order granting CN/Elgin, Joilet & Eastern Railway permission to build a second track between Joliet and New Lenox Township to accommodate increased traffic.

The new track — which must be completed within 12 months, according to the order — will include seven grade crossings. CN/EJ&E will pay for the construction of the second track, approach work and warning devices.

The ICC also approved four projects that call for upgrading 14 crossings to improve safety. The commission green lighted the installation of new automatic flashing light signals and gates with constant warning time circuitry at 12 Norfolk Southern Railway crossings in or near Bement, Danville, Fairmount, Ivesdale, Harristown, Niantic, Riverton, Sadorus and Sidney.

The ICC will provide monies from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to cover 90 percent of project costs, which total more than $2.8 million. NS will fund remaining installation costs and be responsible for all future operating and maintenance expenses. Divided into three projects, the work must be completed within 18 months.

In addition, the commission granted CSX Transportation approval to begin installing automatic flashing light signals and gates at a crossing in Collinsville, and automatic flashing light signals at a crossing in Paris.

The ICC will provide monies from the GCPF to help fund the projects, which are estimated to cost more than $165,000 and must be completed within nine months. State funds will cover the cost of materials to renew crossing surfaces and CSXT funds will cover labor expenses.