Illinois panel OKs funding for BNSF crossing improvements

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved safety improvement projects for three grade crossings near La Prairie in Adams County.

The projects call for BNSF Railway Co. to install automatic flashing light signals with gates and complete highway approach improvements at the East 2650th, North 2800th and North 2900th Avenue crossings. All worked must be completed in 18 months.

The total estimated cost to design and install the warning signals at all three crossings is $1,056,857. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund be used to pay 95% of the signal design and construction costs, not to exceed $1,004,013, according to an ICC press release.

BNSF will pay the remaining 5% of the costs to design, install and maintain the signals and circuitry. The total estimated costs to rehabilitate the existing highway approaches is $336,172. The Northeast Township Road District will be responsible for the costs and work to maintain the approaches.