BNSF Railway Company Seeks Extension of Time to Improve Public Safety at Barstow Road Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

Strategic Insights -

The Illinois Commerce Commission has issued a regulatory document regarding a stipulated agreement between BNSF Railway Company, the Rock Island County Highway Department, and the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation to improve public safety at the Barstow Road highway-rail grade crossings of the BNSF Railway Company's tracks near Barstow, Rock Island County, Illinois. The agreement aims to provide Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) assistance for new crossing surfaces at the crossing. However, BNSF has requested an extension of time to complete the work, citing the need for custom-built crossing panels with a longer lead time and the shutdown of hot mix asphalt plants during the winter months.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Illinois Commerce Commission has issued a regulatory document on January 31, 2024, regarding a stipulated agreement between BNSF Railway Company, the Rock Island County Highway Department, and the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation.
  • The agreement aims to provide Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) assistance for new crossing surfaces at the Barstow Road highway-rail grade crossings of the BNSF Railway Company's tracks near Barstow, Rock Island County, Illinois.
  • BNSF has requested an extension of time to complete the work, citing the need for custom-built crossing panels with a longer lead time and the shutdown of hot mix asphalt plants during the winter months.
  • Staff recommends the Commission grant an extension of time, to and including July 31, 2024, for BNSF to complete the required work in this docket.
  • The original Order provided that the project was to be completed within 9 months from the date of the Order, on or before February 18, 2024.

Statistics:

  • The Grade Crossing Protection Fund (G CPF) assistance is being provided for new crossing surfaces at the Barstow Road highway-rail grade crossing.
  • BNSF has ordered custom-built crossing panels with a longer lead time, which will delay the completion of the work.
  • The hot mix asphalt plants shutdown during the winter months will further delay the completion of the work.
  • The original Order provided a deadline of February 18, 2024, for the completion of the project.
  • Staff recommends an extension of time to July 31, 2024, for BNSF to complete the required work.

Sources:

  • Docket Number: T23-0043
  • Memorandum to the Commission from Brian Vercruysse, Railroad Safety Program Administrator
  • Supplemental Order for Extension of Time