Springfield, IL– The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a public safety project for a highway-rail crossing in Oswego, Kendall County. The agreement requires Illinois Railway, LLC Railroad Company (IR) to install new automatic warning devices at the North Street (AAR/DOT #065003B, railroad milepost 43.31-BNSFC), and Jackson Street (AAR/DOT #065004H, railroad milepost 43.50-BNSFC) highway-rail grade crossing.

The estimated costs to install the new automatic warning devices at the crossings are $567,129. Staff recommended to the Commission that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 95 percent, not to exceed $538,774 of the costs to install the new automatic warning devices at the crossings. IR will pay all remaining installation costs, as well as all future costs to maintain the new warning devices.

“The Grade Crossing Protection Fund will help the Village of Oswego and Illinois Railway move forward with getting these important and needed safety upgrades completed. Projects such as these go far to keep pedestrians and motorists safe near and around trains at highway-rail crossings,” said ICC Chairman Carrie Zalewski.

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

To read Stipulated Agreement 2229 in Docket No. T22-0132 click here.

ABOUT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS GRADE CROSSING PROTECTION FUND (GCPF) In 1955, the State of Illinois passed legislation creating the GCPF. Since then, Illinois has strengthened its commitment to public highway-rail safety by increasing funding toward projects such as the closure and consolidation of existing public crossings, installation of new warning systems, highway approach improvements, upgrades to existing warning devices and interconnection to nearby traffic signals, construction/reconstruction of grade separation structures and the construction of pedestrian grade separations. The Commission administers the GCPF, which is funded by motor fuel tax money designated for rail safety improvements. The General Assembly appropriates $42 million annually for the GCPPF. For more information and to see the ICC's annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program, click here.