advertisement

---

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently granted approval for the demolition and reconstruction of the East Denker Road bridge over CN/Illinois Central Railroad track near Bluford. Work is scheduled for completion by December 2012.

The state’s Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will cover 60 percent of the project’s $761,000 cost. CN/IC, Jefferson County and the Webber Township Road District will pay the remainder.

The ICC also granted approval for BNSF Railway Co. to renew grade crossing surfaces near Litchfield, Girard, Adair and Gladstone. Work is slated for completion in September 2011.

The GCPF will cover the entire $265,916 cost. BNSF will be responsible for future maintenance expenses.

Finally, the ICC granted approval for upgrades to a Norfolk Southern Railway crossing near Homer. To be completed in 12 to 18 months, the work calls for installing new automatic flashing light signals and gates, and improving roadway approaches.

The GCPF will cover 95 percent of automatic warning device costs estimated at $530,906 and 100 percent of highway approach improvement costs estimated at $148,725. NS will be responsible for all remaining installation costs, and future operating and maintenance expenses associated with the warning devices.