The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved two projects to increase the vertical clearance of bridges in Warren County. Stipulated Agreement 2273 requires the lowering of pavement under the BNSF Railway Company bridges at Coldbrook Street/County Highway 15 (AAR/DOT #004691Y, railroad milepost 186.15-LS7000), and Railroad Street/County Highway 5 (AAR/DOT #004692F, railroad milepost 186.48-LS7000) both located near Cameron Illinois.
“Projects that improve Illinois’ existing infrastructure are important to the Commission, and thanks to these investments emergency responders, commercial trucks, and other large vehicles will be able to safely pass under Warren County bridges,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.
The total estimated costs for construction and construction engineering for the payment lowering at both locations combined is $717,533. ICC Staff recommends that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 90 percent of the costs, not to exceed $645,780. Warren County will be responsible for paying the remaining 10 percent of the project’s construction and construction engineering costs. BNSF paid the costs for the preliminary engineering for the two projects.
All work is to be completed by December 31, 2024.
Copies of the Stipulated Agreement 2273 may be read here in Docket No. T23-0069.
ABOUT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS GRADE CROSSING PROTECTION FUND (GCPF)
In 1955, the State of Illinois passed legislation creating the GCPF. Since then, Illinois has strengthened its commitment to public highway-rail safety by increasing funding toward projects such as the closure and consolidation of existing public crossings, installation of new warning systems, highway approach improvements, upgrades to existing warning devices and interconnection to nearby traffic signals, construction/reconstruction of grade separation structures and the construction of pedestrian grade separations. The Commission administers the GCPF, which is funded by motor fuel tax money designated for rail safety improvements. The General Assembly appropriates $42 million annually for the GCPF. For more information and to see the ICC’s annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program, click here.
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION (ICC)
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate, reliable, efficient and safe utility services at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water and sewer public utility companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal property warehouses and repossession agencies. The Commission’s Rail Safety Program also inspects and regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities and equipment in the state.
To learn more about the Commission, its offices and bureaus, click here. If you are a consumer who needs help resolving a utility dispute call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint here. For a complaint related to transportation, call 217-782-6448.
Follow the Illinois Commerce Commission on social media @ILCommerceComm
***Courtesy of The Illinois Commerce Commission***
