Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Hamilton Road Grade Crossing Extension

Strategic Insights -

The Illinois Commerce Commission has issued a regulatory document recommending the construction of a new grade crossing on Hamilton Road in Bloomington, Illinois. The project, which aims to extend the road at grade across the tracks of the Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSRC), has been estimated to cost $21,015,956.95. The City of Bloomington seeks to permanently close existing grade crossings at Western Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue, while NSRC and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are responsible for maintaining certain components of the crossing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Illinois Commerce Commission has recommended the construction of a new grade crossing on Hamilton Road in Bloomington, Illinois, as part of the Hamilton Road Project.
  • The project will extend Hamilton Road at grade across the tracks of the Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSRC) and establish a new grade crossing with automatic flashing light signals and roadway gates.
  • The estimated cost of the project is $21,015,956.95, with the City of Bloomington requesting $623,576.00 from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) for the construction contract.
  • NSRC and IDOT are responsible for maintaining certain components of the crossing, including the roadway, shared-use path, and sidewalk crossing surfaces.
  • The City of Bloomington will be responsible for maintaining vehicular traffic advanced warning signs, the roadway and approaches to the crossing, the shared-use path, and the sidewalk.

Statistics:

  • Estimated cost of the Hamilton Road Project: $21,015,956.95
  • Amount requested from the GCPF for the construction contract: $623,576.00
  • Number of linear feet of new roadway to be constructed: approximately 9100
  • Number of grade crossings to be permanently closed: 2 (Western Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue)

Sources:

  • Illinois Commerce Commission, Docket Number T23-0110 (December 19, 2024)
  • Memorandum to the Commission, David Badillo, Administrative Law Judge (November 26, 2024)