ILLINOIS, November 4 - Springfield, IL -The Illinois Commerce Commission recently approved a Stipulated Agreement to improve public safety at the 73rd Street highway-rail grade crossing of the Belt Railway Company of Chicago track in Bedford Park, Illinois in Cook County. The track is designated at AAR/DOT #869262K, railroad milepost 0.00F.

The Stipulated Agreement 2079 requires Beltway Railway Company to install automatic flashing lights signals and gates with bells, controlled by constant warning time circuitry and equipped with an event recorder and remote monitor, and the Village of Bedford Park to install new Advance Warning Sign (W10-1) along the highway approaches to the 73rd Street highway-rail grade crossing.

The estimated cost to complete the improvements is $419,299. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 95% of the cost, not to exceed $398,334. The Belt Railway Company of Chicago will pay all future operating and maintenance costs related to the new automatic warning devices.

"Upgrading to automatic warning devices will provide better protection for highway users and railroad employees using this crossing," said ICC Commissioner Ann McCabe. "I am pleased we are able to use Grade Crossing Protection Funds to help communities and railroad companies across Illinois to pay for these much-needed highway-rail grade crossing improvements."

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