Springfield, IL, ILLINOIS, October 13 - The Illinois Commerce Commission recently approved a Stipulated Agreement improving public safety at the Steward Road highway-rail grade crossing of the BNSF Railway Company track in Steward, Illinois in Lee County. The track is designated at AAR/DOT #069790C, railroad milepost 77.75-B.

Under Stipulated Agreement 2196, BNSF Railroad is required to install automatic flashing lights signals and gates with bells, controlled by constant warning time circuitry and equipped with an event recorder and remove monitor. The Lee County Highway Department will install new combination curb and gutter along the northbound highway approach to the crossing.

The estimated cost to complete the improvements is $676,423. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Funds be used to pay up to 95% of the cost associated with the installation of automatic warning devices and 100% of the cost associated with the installation of new combination curb and gutter not to exceed $609,352 and $35,000, respectively. BNSF will pay 5% of the installation costs of the automatic warning devices, as well as all future operating and maintenance costs associated with the new automatic warning devices.

"Keeping pedestrians, motorists and rail employee safe near and around railroad tracks is a top priority for the ICC. The allocation of Grade Crossing Protection funds enables important rail safety projects like this to move forward, and that's a win for everyone who uses the crossings," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.

All work is expected to be completed within 12 months of the Order date.