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The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved three rail bridge and two grade crossing projects. The commission will provide funding for the work through the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF).

The ICC green-lighted a $38.5 million project calling for the removal and replacement of a bridge over the Rock River and Illinois Railway tracks in Rockford. The bridge was constructed in 1916 and reconstructed in 1956. The Illinois Department of Transportation has allocated $21.2 million for the project and the ICC will provide $5 million from the GCPF; the city of Rockford will cover remaining construction costs.

The commission also approved the city of Galesburg’s plan to construct a bridge over BNSF Railway Co. tracks near downtown. The city expects to close a crossing when the $14 million project is completed. The ICC will provide $8.4 million from the GCPF to cover 60 percent of project costs; BNSF and the city will cover the remainder.

In addition, the commission approved the reconstruction of a rail bridge over Chicago, Central and Pacific Railroad Co. tracks near Scales Mound. To be completed by June 2011 and cost $1.6 million, the project will receive about $990,000 from the GCPF.

Finally, the ICC approved a crossing improvement project in Waltonville and the reconstruction of surfaces at eight crossings in the state. To be completed in June 2011, the improvement project calls for installing automatic flashing light signals and gates at a BNSF and Union Pacific Railroad crossing. The GCPF will cover 90 percent of the project’s $464,000 cost. The other project, which calls for reconstructing surfaces at UP crossings, will receive $435,000 from the GCPF while the Class I will provide $321,000 to fund labor costs. In addition, UP will maintain the crossings.