Illinois, Ohio commissions approve grade crossing upgrades

The Illinois Commerce Commission and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio recently approved state funding for three grade crossing projects.

The ICC approved more than $1 million in grant funding for safety upgrades at two crossings.

In Jacksonville, BNSF Railway Co. will install new automatic flashing lights, signals and gates, pedestrian gates and bells, improve approaches and reconfigure roads at the East State Street crossing. The state allocated $520,277 for the signals installations and $311,250 for the road updates — about 95% of total costs. BNSF will cover the remainder and all future maintenance costs. Work is expected to wrap up within 18 months.

In Bedford Park, the Belt Railway Co. of Chicago will install automatic flashing lights, signals and gates with bells, warning time circuitry, an event recorder and remote monitor at the 73rd Street crossing. The village will also install new advance warning signs along the highway approaches. The state allocated $398,334 for both parts of the project — about 95% of total costs. Belt Railway will cover the remainder and all future maintenance costs. Work is slated for completion within 12 months.

Meanwhile, PUCO approved upgrades at the S.R. 81 and Geneva Street crossings in Hardin County. CSX will install flashing lights and gates at the crossings by Aug. 2, 2023. Federal funds allocated by the commission will cover $472,955 in project costs.