Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Additional Funding for Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Improvement

Strategic Insights -

The Illinois Commerce Commission has issued a supplemental order approving additional Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) assistance to the Pike County Highway Department for the improvement of the Pittsfield Road highway-rail grade crossing in New Salem, Pike County, Illinois. The original order, entered on May 4, 2023, provided GCPF assistance to refund the county 100% of the costs, not exceeding $98,594, for improving the approach grades at the grade crossing. However, the county's required approach rehabilitation work was completed ahead of schedule in late 2023, and the county has since expended a total of $105,594.92, exceeding the originally ordered limit. The county is requesting a GCPF increase of an additional $7,000.92.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a supplemental order for additional funding to improve the Pittsfield Road highway-rail grade crossing in New Salem, Pike County, Illinois.
  • The original order provided GCPF assistance of up to $98,594 to refund the county's costs for improving the approach grades at the grade crossing.
  • The county completed its required approach rehabilitation work ahead of schedule in late 2023 and incurred additional costs due to inflation in asphalt paving costs.
  • The county is requesting a GCPF increase of an additional $7,000.92 to cover the cost overruns.
  • Staff of the Commission's Railroad Safety Section recommends granting the additional GCPF assistance, citing it as fair and reasonable.

Statistics:

  • The original order provided GCPF assistance of up to $98,594 to refund the county's costs for improving the approach grades at the grade crossing.
  • The county expended a total of $105,594.92, exceeding the originally ordered limit by $7,000.92.
  • The proposed additional GCPF increase would top out the overall limit for the project at $105,594.92.
  • The supplemental order would increase the GCPF assistance by an additional $7,000.92.

Sources:

  • Illinois Commerce Commission, Docket Number: T23-0033, Date: January 17, 2024, Subject: Stipulated Agreement regarding improving public safety at the Pittsfield Road highway-rail grade crossing.
  • Commission Staff's recommendation, Date: January 17, 2024, stated: "I recommend entry of the attached Supplemental Order."