advertisement

---

Last week, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved three grade crossing improvement projects, which will be funded primarily by the agency.

The commission signed off on plans to install automatic flashing light signals and gates at a Union Pacific Railroad crossing near Mode. To be completed by February 2010 and cost about $245,000, the project will receive $228,000 from the ICC’s Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to cover 93 percent of costs. UP and the Holland Township Road District will provide the remainder.

The commission also approved plans to install automatic flashing light signals and gates at a UP crossing near Bonnie. To be completed by February 2010 and cost about $236,000, the project will receive $224,600 from the GCPF to cover 95 percent of costs. UP will fund the remainder and cover future operating and maintenance expenses.

Finally, the commission approved plans to install automatic flashing light signals and gates at a BNSF Railway Co. crossing near Buda. To be completed by February 2010 and cost about $218,000, the project will receive $207,400 from the GCPF to cover 95 percent of costs. BNSF will fund the remainder and cover future operating and maintenance expenses.

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

Meanwhile, preliminary statistics released by the ICC’s Railroad Safety Section shows 2008 was one of the state’s best years for crossing safety.

Collisions dropped slightly from 130 in 2007 to 129 in 2008; vehicle fatalities declined slightly from 16 in 2007 to 15 in 2008; pedestrian fatalities decreased from 12 in 2007 to 10 in 2008; total fatalities fell from 28 in 2007 to 25 in 2008; and total injuries dropped from 54 in 2007 to 52 in 2008.