Springfield, IL - This week, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) greenlighted the installation of new automatic warning gates to enhance safety measures at multiple highway-rail grade crossings in Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties. The crossings are located at Canyon Park Road (AAR/DOT #306872N), W Buckhill Road (AAR/DOT #306904S), Council Hill Road (AAR/DOT #306896C), N Hill Road (AAR/DOT #306897J), N Baker Road (AAR/DOT #306852C), and N Waddams Grove Road (AAR/DOT #306850N) over Chicago, Central & Pacific 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 Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties will help upgrade essential warning systems, reducing the risk of collisions and fostering safer travel for everyone."

The total estimated cost of the signal designs and construction is approximately $3.3 million. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to cover 95 percent of the costs, not to exceed just over $3.1 million. Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroad Company will be responsible for the remaining five percent of the design and installation costs, as well as all future maintenance costs.

All work must be completed within 18 months from the order date.

For more details, please refer to Dockets No. T24-0098, T24-0099, and T24-0100.

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

Follow the Illinois Commerce Commission on social media @ILCommerceComm