Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Stipulated Agreement to Improve Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety

Strategic Insights -

The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a stipulated agreement between the Pesotum and Tuscola Township Road Districts, Douglas County Highway Department, Illinois Central Railroad Company, and the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation to improve public safety at a highway-rail grade crossing in Tuscola, Douglas County, Illinois. The agreement requires the installation of new automatic warning devices and highway approach grade improvements at the crossing, which has been identified as a high-priority safety concern. The project is estimated to cost $668,953, with 95% of the costs to be covered by the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a stipulated agreement between four parties to improve safety at a highway-rail grade crossing in Tuscola, Douglas County, Illinois.
  • The agreement requires the installation of new automatic warning devices and highway approach grade improvements at the crossing, which has been identified as a high-priority safety concern.
  • The project is estimated to cost $668,953, with 95% of the costs to be covered by the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF).
  • Illinois Central Railroad Company will pay 5% of the costs to design and install the new crossing warning devices, and will also be responsible for the future maintenance of the signals and circuitry.
  • The project must be completed within 18 months from the order date.
  • The Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will cover 95% of the signal design and construction costs, and 100% of the highway approach reconstruction costs.
  • The total estimated cost of the signal design and installation is $375,452, while the total estimated cost of the highway approach grade improvements is $292,501.

Statistics:

  • The total estimated cost of the project is $668,953.
  • 95% ($356,679) of the signal design and construction costs will be covered by the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF).
  • 100% ($292,501) of the highway approach reconstruction costs will be covered by the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF).
  • Illinois Central Railroad Company will pay 5% ($31,983) of the costs to design and install the new crossing warning devices.
  • The project must be completed within 18 months from the order date.

Sources:

  • Illinois Commerce Commission Regulatory Document, Docket Number: T24-0038, ROM Date: 04/18/2024, M E M O R A N D U M to: The Commission, FROM: Brian Vercruysse, Railroad Safety Program Administrator, DATE: April 3, 2024.