Illinois panel OKs safety improvements at NS, BNSF grade crossings

The Illinois Commerce Commission this week issued grants for safety improvement projects at grade crossings owned by Norfolk Southern Railway and BNSF Railway Co.

NS will perform the following safety upgrades:

• replace existing crossbucks and antiquated automatic warning devices and circuitry at six grade crossings in Granville, Mark and McNabb. The commission will provide $2,208,721 in funds toward those projects;
• install automatic warning devices and circuitry at two grade crossings in Kangley and Lostant. The commission will provide $1,079,687 in funding; and
• install automatic warning devices and circuitry at two grade crossings in Dwight and Streator. The commission will provide $1,093,962 in project funding.

NS will cover all remaining project expenses and future maintenance costs, and will complete the projects within 18 months.

BNSF will install automatic flashing lights signals and gates with bells at a crossing in Steward. The commission will provide $609,352 in funding and require work to be complete within 12 months. The Class I will be responsible for all remaining project costs and future maintenance costs.