Illinois Commerce Commission approves multiple rail safety upgrades - Transportation Today

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) announced they have approved several new rail safety upgrades throughout Southern Illinois.

According to the ICC, new automatic warning gates and highway grade approach improvements will be installed at highway rail grade crossings in Franklin and Marion counties, along Pump Station Road, River Road, Main Street, and W 4th Street over Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

“Enhancing the safety of Illinois’ rail crossings is vital for everyone who lives, works, and travels along train tracks,” ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said. “Infrastructure improvements like the ones in Kinmundy and Royalton will help upgrade essential warning systems, reducing the risk of collisions and fostering safer travel for everyone.”

Officials said the signal designs and installations will cost about $2 million. ICC staff recommended that the commission use the Grade Crossing Protection Fund to cover 95 percent of the costs of design and installation, and that Union Pacific cover the remaining five percent. Staff also recommended that Union Pacific cover all future maintenance costs.

The total estimated cost of the curb design and construction is $130,000 which will be covered in full by the Grade Crossing Protection Fund. For those projects, the village of Kinmundy and Six Mile Township Road District will take on the responsibility for all future maintenance costs.

Officials said all of the work on the projects must be completed within 18 months from the order date.