Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Time Extension for Harris Road Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Improvement Project

Strategic Insights -

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has issued a supplemental order approving a time extension for the Harris Road highway-rail grade crossing improvement project. The project, which aims to improve public safety at the grade crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad Company's tracks near Valmeyer, Monroe County, Illinois, was initially required to be completed by November 17, 2023. However, due to issues related to railroad protective liability insurance approval and project management assistance, the Monroe County Unit Road District No. 10 (Road District) requested a time extension to July 21, 2024. The ICC's staff recommends granting the extension, considering the delay was not solely the Road District's fault and that the solution for railroad protective liability insurance approval is now in place.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a time extension for the Harris Road highway-rail grade crossing improvement project.
  • The project, originally due on November 17, 2023, has been extended to July 21, 2024.
  • The primary causes of the delay were issues related to railroad protective liability insurance approval and getting the Monroe County Highway Department added to the docket for project management.
  • Staff recommends granting the extension, citing the fairness and reasonableness of the request.
  • The Union Pacific Railroad Company, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Monroe County Unit Road District No. 10 were parties to the stipulated agreement and have worked together to resolve the issues.
  • The ICC's order aims to improve public safety at the grade crossing by installing new automatic warning devices, reconstructing the crossing surface, and improving the highway approach grade.

Statistics:

  • The original deadline for the project completion was November 17, 2023.
  • The time extension granted is until July 21, 2024.
  • The project revision was submitted by the Road District on April 10, 2024.
  • The project was delayed due to issues related to railroad protective liability insurance approval and project management assistance.

Sources:

  • Illinois Commerce Commission, Docket Number: T22-0127, "Memorandum to the Commission: The Union Pacific Railroad Company, Unit Road District No. 10, and the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation. Stipulated Agreement regarding improving public safety at the Harris Road highway-rail grade crossing", April 17, 2024