Prairie State Wire

On Thursday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved a series of rail safety improvements in Galesburg. These upgrades will involve installing new automatic warning devices and enhancing highway approaches at five railway crossings in Knox County. The specific locations for these improvements are Day Street, Pine Street, Lombard Street, Locust Street, and South Farnham Street.

"The Grade Crossing Protection Fund allows Illinois to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades for safer train tracks and roadways for all," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan. "Our thanks go out to the City of Galesburg and BNSF Railway for bringing these much-needed improvement projects to the ICC's attention."

The estimated cost for designing and constructing these signals is $1.76 million. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will cover 95 percent of this cost, up to $1.67 million. Additionally, the fund will fully cover the highway approach improvement costs up to $36,109.

BNSF Railway will be responsible for any remaining signal design and installation expenses as well as future maintenance costs. Meanwhile, the City of Galesburg will maintain the highway approaches once completed.

The completion timeline for all work is set within 18 months from the order date.

Further details can be found in Stipulated Agreement 2358 under Docket No. T25-0034.

The ICC advises all rail crossing users to stay alert and follow safety regulations when near crossings.

About the Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund: Established in 1955 by state legislation, this fund supports public highway-rail safety through various projects including new warning systems and grade separation structures among others. It is funded by motor fuel tax money with an annual appropriation of $42 million by the General Assembly.

About the Illinois Commerce Commission: The ICC is a quasi-judicial body with five Commissioners overseeing utility services and transportation safety programs across Illinois. Its Rail Safety Program ensures railroad track safety throughout the state.

For more information on resolving utility disputes or transportation-related complaints, consumers can contact designated helplines provided by ICC or follow them on social media @ILCommerceComm.