Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Extension of Time for Norfolk Southern to Complete Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Improvements

The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved an extension of time for Norfolk Southern Railway Company to complete public safety improvements at the Farmdale Road #3 and Farmdale Road #4 highway-rail grade crossings near East Peoria, Tazewell County, Illinois. The original order was entered on July 15, 2020, and the first supplemental order was entered on July 22, 2021, granting an extension of time to December 30, 2021. Norfolk Southern has since completed its required work, including the installation of new automatic warning devices, which have been inspected and found to be working properly.

Key Takeaways:

• The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved the Second Supplemental Order, granting Tazewell County an extension of time to complete the highway approach work required of it in the docket, until December 31, 2024.
• The County's required work has been delayed due to the need to acquire temporary easements to construct the approach improvement, which are now agreeable to the land owner(s).
• Norfolk Southern has completed its required work, including the installation of new automatic warning devices, which have been inspected and found to be working properly.
• The automatic warning devices for both crossings were placed in service on July 27, 2021, and have been found to be functioning properly.
• The parties in the docket are required to improve public safety by coordinating to accomplish approach grade improvements, replacement of advance warning signs/markings, and installation of new automatic warning devices at the Farmdale Road #3 and Farmdale Road #4 crossings.
• The Commission's original order was entered on July 15, 2020, and the first supplemental order was entered on July 22, 2021, granting an extension of time to December 30, 2021.