BNSF rail crossing safety upgrades get Illinois ICC funding

Illinois regulators approved BNSF rail crossing safety upgrades at three sites in Carroll and Ogle counties, clearing nearly $1 million in support through the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and the state’s Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF), as reported by Progressive Railroading.

Illinois grade crossing safety upgrades approved

In its announcement, the ICC said the funding would be drawn from the GCPF for work at three BNSF Railway grade crossings. The projects are located in Carroll County and Ogle County, and ICC officials said the work must be completed by Aug. 5, 2027, in an Illinois Commerce Commission press release.

BNSF grade crossing signals and gates planned

For the BNSF rail crossing safety upgrades, BNSF will install new automatic flashing light signals and gates at the Oakville Road crossing, the Brookeville and Ogle Road crossing, and the West Oregon Trail Road crossing.

Don’t miss…Wabtec modernisation agreement to rebuild Union Pacific AC4400s

Grade Crossing Protection Fund projects and cost split

Under the ICC approval, the GCPF will cover 95% of total project costs, not to exceed $993,328. BNSF will pay the remaining signal design and installation costs, and it will also cover future operating and maintenance expenses tied to the upgraded warning systems, consistent with the ICC’s overview of the Crossing Safety Improvement Program and Grade Crossing Protection Fund.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: