Grade crossing upgrades are moving ahead in Illinois and Ohio, where regulators have approved safety work at several railroad crossings. The planned work includes new warning equipment, circuitry improvements, flashing lights and gates, with state and federal funding assigned to cover most of the costs.

Grade crossing upgrades advance in Illinois, Ohio
Grade crossing upgrades advance in Illinois, Ohio

Grade crossing upgrades in Illinois

In Illinois, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved work on May 21 at the Wyckles Road grade crossing in Warrensburg. The project covers a new automatic warning device and an upgrade to the crossing circuitry.

The state’s Grade Crossing Protection Fund will provide 95% of the estimated $507,354 cost. Illinois Central Railroad, a CN subsidiary, will remain responsible for the remaining design, installation and maintenance expenses. The approved work is to be completed within 18 months.

Ohio railroad crossing improvements move forward

In Ohio, regulators cleared a separate package of railroad crossing improvements. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission for CSX and Indiana & Ohio Railway Co., a Genesee & Wyoming Inc. railroad.

CSX is set to install flashing lights and gates at two crossings. Work at Lyntz Road in Trumbull County is due by May 27, 2027. The Township Road 150 crossing in Hancock County must be upgraded by Feb. 27, 2027. Federal funding will cover both projects, with $334,515 assigned to Lyntz Road and $348,561 to Township Road 150.

Flashing lights and gates planned for Hamilton County

Indiana & Ohio Railway Co. will carry out similar safety upgrades at two Hamilton County crossings. Flashing lights and gates are planned for Shawnee Run Road by Feb. 27, 2027, and for Miami Avenue by Aug. 27, 2027.

Federal funding will also cover these two projects. The Shawnee Run Road work is backed by $439,755, while the Miami Avenue crossing project is funded at $690,597. As Railway Supply previously covered, PUCO-backed grade crossing projects remain part of targeted safety work at Ohio rail crossings.