advertisement

---

Last week the Illinois Commerce Commission approved plans for five grade crossing upgrades and appropriated dollars from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to help cover more than 90 percent of project costs, which are projected to total about $1.4 million.

The approved projects involve Norfolk Southern Railway crossings near Raymond and Litchfield; BNSF Railway Co. crossings near Mazon and Savanna; and a CN/Illinois Central Railroad crossing near Sigel.

To be completed by January 2011, the projects call for installing automatic flashing light signals and gates, and improving approaches. The Class Is will pay remaining installation costs not covered by the GCPF, as well as future operating and maintenance expenses.