Illinois Commerce Commission Issues Citation to Union Pacific Railroad for Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Violations

Strategic Insights -

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has issued a regulatory document citing Union Pacific Railroad Company for failing to maintain highway-rail grade crossing surfaces in accordance with state requirements. The citation follows unsuccessful efforts by commission staff to obtain compliance from the railroad. The ICC has recommended that a Citation Order be entered, requiring Union Pacific to show cause why it should not be ordered to repair the crossings and respond to staff requests in a more timely manner.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ICC has issued a citation to Union Pacific Railroad Company for failing to maintain highway-rail grade crossing surfaces in accordance with state requirements (92 Ill. Adm. Code 1535 Subpart C).
  • The citation is a result of staff's unsuccessful efforts to obtain compliance from the railroad on the requirements outlined in 92 Illinois Administrative Code 1535 Subpart C.
  • The recommended Citation Order requires Union Pacific to show cause why it should not be ordered to repair the subject crossings and develop a plan to respond to future staff requests in a more expedient manner.
  • The citation includes 19 specific highway-rail grade crossings located in Des Plaines, Illinois, where existing conditions do not meet the minimum requirements of 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1535 Subpart C.
  • The Commission's Railroad Safety Program Administrator, Brian Vercruysse, presented the citation to the Commission on February 8, 2024.

Statistics:

  • 19 highway-rail grade crossings in Des Plaines, Illinois, were cited for non-compliance with 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1535 Subpart C (Exhibit A of the attached Citation).
  • The ICC's Railroad Safety Program Administrator, Brian Vercruysse, has initiated citation proceedings against Union Pacific Railroad Company.
  • The citation follows unsuccessful staff efforts to obtain compliance from Union PacificRailroad Company on the requirements outlined in 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1535 Subpart C.

Sources:

  • Illinois Commerce Commission. (February 8, 2024). Docket Number: T24-0004 ROM Date: 02/08/2024 Deadline: N/A Memorandum to: The Commission from: Brian Vercruysse, Railroad Safety Program Administrator.
  • 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1535 Subpart C.