ICC Approves Rail Crossing Safety Upgrades in St. Clair County

Springfield, IL, ILLINOIS, October 10 - This week, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved a stipulated agreement to enhance safety measures at three highway-rail crossings near New Athens and Lenzburg in St. Clair County. The crossings are located at Nuernberger Rd (AAR/DOT #296113Y), Golden Rule Mine St (AAR/DOT #296116U), and South Main St (AAR/DOT #296118H) over Illinois Central Railroad's tracks.

"Enhancing the safety of Illinois' rail crossings is vital for everyone who lives, works, and travels along train tracks," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan. "Infrastructure improvements like the ones in St. Clair help railroads and local governments to upgrade essential warning systems, ultimately reducing the risk of collisions and fostering safer travel for everyone."

The total estimated cost of the signal design and construction is approximately $1.6 million. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to cover 95 percent of the costs, not to exceed $1,514,574. The rehabilitation of existing highway approaches at the crossings will cost approximately $525,156, with the GCPF covering 100 percent of the estimated costs. Illinois Central Railroad will be responsible for the remaining 5 percent of the signal design and installation costs, as well as all future maintenance costs.

All work must be completed within 18 months.

For more details, please refer to Stipulated Agreement 2269 in Docket No. T24-0097.

The ICC encourages all rail crossing users to remain vigilant and adhere to safety regulations in and around the crossings.

About the Illinois Commerce Commission

 The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body made up of five Commissioners.  Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate, reliable, efficient, and safe utility services at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, and sewer public utility companies.  Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal property warehouses and repossession agencies. The Commission's Rail Safety Program also inspects and regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities, and equipment in the state.

 

To learn more about the Commission, its offices, and bureaus, click here. If you are a consumer who needs help resolving a utility dispute call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint here.  For a complaint related to transportation, call 217-782-6448.

 

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