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The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved plans to upgrade four Norfolk Southern Corp. grade crossings and two Union Pacific Railroad crossings.

NS plans to install automatic flashing light signals and gates controlled by constant warning time control circuitry at three crossings in Bellmont and one in Fairfield, and close one crossing in Bellmont. Work in Fairfield is expected to conclude in August 2009; work in Bellmont is projected to wrap up in February 2010.

The ICC will provide $600,876 from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to cover 90 percent of Bellmont project costs, and $186,742 from the fund to cover 95 percent of signal installation costs in Fairfield. NS will fund the remainder.

UP plans to install automatic flashing light signals/gates and post advance warning devices on highway approaches at a crossing in Rockford, and install automatic flashing light signals/gates at a crossing near Coulterville. Work will be completed by August 2009.

The ICC will provide $250,462 from the GCPF to cover 85 percent of Rockford project costs. The city will provide 10 percent and UP, 5 percent of necessary funds. In addition, the commission will provide $168,759 from the GCPF to cover 85 percent of Coulterville projects costs. The Randolph County Road District No. 1 will pay 10 percent and UP, 5 percent of remaining expenses.

Funded by motor fuel taxes designated for rail safety improvements, the GCPF provides $27 million annually for crossing upgrades and the construction or reconstruction of grade separations.