The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved its annual five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program for fiscal years 2026 to 2030.
The plan funds life-saving safety upgrades at highway-rail crossings statewide.
“Illinois’ rail system is made up of more than 10,000 public crossings,” Michael Carrigan, ICC commissioner, said. “The ICC’s Crossing Safety Improvement Plan is an essential tool for improving our state’s rail infrastructure and reducing the risk of collisions.”
The plan includes more than $400 million from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) and Rebuild Illinois to help local communities pay for improvements.
GCPF funds will help cover eight pedestrian projects, 26 highway bridges, 358 warning device upgrades, and 571 low-cost improvements at 963 crossing locations. Projects include grade separation construction and reconstruction, the separation of pedestrian crossings from rail pedestrian gate installation tracks, and upgrades to lighting, gates, and automatic warning devices.
There were 80 collisions at public crossings in Illinois in 2024, down from 89 in 2023, according to preliminary Federal Railroad Administration data.
The Illinois Commerce Commission is a quasi-judicial body comprised of five commissioners who oversee utility services, public safety and consumer protection programs regarding commercial motor carriers, and the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities, and equipment.