Illinois panel OKs grade crossing upgrades in Washington, Kane counties

The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved the funding of two grade crossing improvement projects in Washington and Kane counties.

New automatic warning devices will be installed at the Hawaii Road grade crossing near Richview in Washington County using money from the state’s Grade Crossing Protection Funds (GCPF). The Illinois Central Railroad Co./CN is responsible for the installation of automatic warning signals, while Richview Township will install advance warning signs along the highway approaches to the crossing, ICC officials said in a press release.

The project's cost is $401,934, with GCPF covering up to 95% at $381,838. IC will cover remaining and future maintenance costs. Work will be completed within 12 months.

Meanwhile, an existing grade separation structure at Coombs Road near Elgin in Kane County will be removed and reconstructed using funding from the GCPF. The track underneath the overpass is owned by the former Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corp.

The project calls for removing the existing structure and constructing a three-span vehicular overpass consisting of steel wide flange beams with reinforced concrete slab and parapets.The project's cost is $3,159,041, with GCPF dollars covering up to 60%. The Elgin Township Road District will cover remaining and future maintenance costs. Work is scheduled to be completed by 2023's end.