Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Time Extension for Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Project

Strategic Insights -

The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a time extension for a project aimed at improving public safety at a highway-rail grade crossing in Olney, Illinois. The project, which involves installing new automatic warning devices, has been delayed due to coordination challenges. The commission has granted a time extension until June 9, 2024, to allow the city and CSX Transportation to complete their required work on a coordinated schedule.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Olney, CSX Transportation, Inc., and the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation have entered into a stipulated agreement to install new automatic warning devices at the Whittle Avenue highway-rail grade crossing.
  • The project was originally approved by the commission on June 9, 2022, with a completion deadline of December 9, 2023.
  • The commission has granted a time extension until June 9, 2024, to allow the city and CSX to complete their required work on a coordinated schedule.
  • The time extension applies to both the city and CSX, who must complete their work by the new deadline.
  • The project is aimed at improving public safety at the highway-rail grade crossing, which comes to the attention of the Rail Safety Section via an application for Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) assistance.
  • The commission's staff has reviewed the petition and recommends the entry of a supplemental order approving the time extension.

Statistics:

  • 18 months: The original completion deadline for the project.
  • 12/9/2023: The original deadline for project completion.
  • 6/9/2024: The new deadline for project completion after the time extension.
  • 1: The number of parties involved in the stipulated agreement (City, CSX, and the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation).
  • 1: Number of grade crossings involved in the project.

Sources:

  • Department of Transportation, State of Illinois
  • Illinois Commerce Commission
  • City of Olney
  • CSX Transportation, Inc.