Illinois panel OKs improvements at four grade crossings

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved agreements to improve four grade crossings in DeKalb, LaSalle and Franklin counties.

Automatic warning devices will be installed at two crossings near DeKalb Afton Township and Shabbona in DeKalb County, with Union Pacific Railroad responsible for the installations. The state’s Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will be used to reimburse UP, while the Clinton Township Road District will pay costs to install and maintain advance warning signs along the roadway approaching one of the crossings, ICC officials said in a press release. The projects at both locations will cost $565,866.

One crossing near Troy Grove in LaSalle County will receive new automatic warning devices; the track is also UP-owned, and the Class I will install the devices. The cost is $227,937, for which the GCPF will reimburse the railroad up to 95% of the installation costs. UP will pay remaining costs, as well as future operation and maintenance.

New automatic warning devices will also be installed at a crossing on UP track near Benton in Franklin County. UP will conduct the installation at a of $253,355. As with other projects, ICC anticipates the railroad will be reimbursed up to 95%.

"Keeping pedestrians, motorists and rail employees safe near and around railroad tracks is a top priority for the ICC. The allocation of Grade Crossing Protection funds enables important rail safety projects like these to move forward, and that’s a win for everyone who uses the crossings,” said ICC Commissioner Michael Carrigan.

The work for all grade crossings is to be completed by Jan. 5, 2023.