Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Railroad Overpass Widening Project in Aurora and Naperville

Strategic Insights -

The Illinois Commerce Commission has given the green light for the widening of the existing railroad overpass that crosses over North Aurora Road in the cities of Aurora and Naperville, and Naperville Township. The project involves the removal of the existing Wisconsin Central Limited railroad bridge and its replacement with two single-span bridges, which will carry the mainline and siding tracks over North Aurora Road. The total estimated cost of the project is $47,051,242, with funding provided by the STP-Shared Fund, the ICC Grade Protection Crossing Fund, and the Road Authority.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project aims to address capacity and safety deficiencies on North Aurora Road by removing a bottleneck caused by the narrowing of the roadway.
  • The existing 35.7' wide bridge owned by Wisconsin Central Ltd. will be replaced with two single-span bridges to increase the vertical clearance and provide non-motorized accommodations for pedestrian and bicycle users.
  • The project will also include drainage improvements to alleviate occasional flooding of the railroad underpass.
  • The estimated total cost of the project is $47,051,242.
  • Funding will be provided by the STP-Shared Fund ($20,134,341), the ICC Grade Protection Crossing Fund ($15,000,000), and the Road Authority ($11,916,901).
  • The project is expected to be completed by December 31st, 2028.
  • IDOT will be responsible for letting the project on behalf of the Road Authority.
  • Respondents and Staff do not object to the amended petition, and the Chief Administrative Law Judge recommends entry of the attached Order.

Statistics:

  • Estimated total cost of the project: $47,051,242
  • Funding provided by the STP-Shared Fund: $20,134,341
  • Funding provided by the ICC Grade Protection Crossing Fund: $15,000,000
  • Funding provided by the Road Authority: $11,916,901
  • Project completion date: December 31st, 2028
  • Project start date: Fall, 2024

Sources:

  • Illinois Commerce Commission - Docket Number: T21-0099
  • Illinois Commerce Commission - Memorandum to the Commission dated May 30, 2024
  • City of Naperville, City of Aurora, and Naperville Township - Petition filed June 18, 2021
  • BNSF Railway Company and The Illinois Department of Transportation - Response to the Amended Petition