On Thursday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) authorized the installation of new automatic warning devices and highway approach improvements at five Galesburg railway crossings. The upgrades will take place at the Day Street (AAR/DOT #062992B), Pine Street (AAR/DOT #062993H), Lombard Street (AAR/DOT #062994P), Locust Street (AAR/DOT #062995W), and South Farnham Street (AAR/DOT #062997K) crossings in Knox County.
“The Grade Crossing Protection Fund allows Illinois to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades for safer train tracks and roadways for all,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan. “Our thanks go out to the City of Galesburg and BNSF Railway for bringing these much-needed improvement projects to the ICC’s attention.”
The total estimated cost of the signal design and construction is $1.76 million. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will be used to pay 95 percent of the design and construction costs, not to exceed $1.67 million. 100 percent of the estimated highway approach improvement project costs up to $36,109 will also be covered by the GCPF.
BNSF will pay the remainder of the signal design and installation costs, along with all future maintenance costs. The City of Galesburg will be responsible for the future maintenance of the highway approaches.
All work is to be completed within 18 months from the order date.
More information may be found in Stipulated Agreement 2358, Docket No. T25-0034.
The ICC encourages all rail crossing users to remain vigilant and adhere to safety regulations in and around crossings.
About the Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund
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 ICC 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. Read more information on the ICC’s annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program here.
About the Illinois Commerce Commission
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 ICC’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 here. Consumers who need help resolving a utility dispute can call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint. For all transportation-related complaints, call 847-294-4326.
Follow the Illinois Commerce Commission on social media @ILCommerceComm.
***Courtesy of the Illinois Commerce Commission***
