The Illinois Commerce Commission recently authorized $18 million from the agency’s five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Plan to assist the city of Decatur in constructing a road overpass over Norfolk Southern Railway Co. track near Brush College Road.
The commission also approved the city’s construction plan.
The Brush College Road/Faries Parkway Project is expected to cost $62.7 million. The commission approved the use of $12 million in Grade Crossing Protection Funds and $6 million from the Multi-Modal Transportation Bond Fund.
Two at-grade crossings are within several feet of a busy road intersection and several industrial complexes. There have been 21 train-vehicle collisions in the area since 1990. The project would increase safety by installing gates and median barriers at the Illinois Central Railroad Co.’s highway-rail grade crossing of Faries Parkway and relocating and gating the crossing on Harrison Avenue.
Decatur will be responsible for maintaining the Brush College Road bridge substructure, superstructure, and highway approaches. Illinois Central Railroad will be responsible for maintaining automatic warning devices and crossing surfaces.
“This $18 million will reduce congestion and increase safety for the residents of Decatur, making it easier for them to get to work, school, and other parts of their daily lives,” Gov. JB Pritzker said.
The project is expected to be completed on or before Dec. 31, 2025.