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9/3/2024
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved the installation of automatic warning devices at the Kohn Road grade crossing in McHenry County.
The project came to the attention of the commission after safety staff evaluated the crossing, ICC officials said in a press release. The work will take about 18 months to complete.
The estimated cost of the signal design and installation is $417,431. The commission recommended that the state's Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay for 95% of the cost, not to exceed $396,559. The Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co. — which is owned by Watco — will pay the remaining 5% and cover future maintenance costs.
Funded by motor fuel tax money dedicated to rail safety improvements, the GCPF is appropriated $42 million annually by the state's general assembly.
“The [fund] allows the commission to help local governments and railroad companies across Illinois make important safety improvements to their rail crossings,” said ICC Commissioner Michael Carrigan.