The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently authorized the installation of new automatic warning devices and highway approach improvements at five Galesburg railway crossings in Knox County. Signal design and construction will cost an estimated $1.76 million.
The Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will cover project 100 percent of costs up to $36,109 and 95 percent of costs up to $1.67 million. BNSF Railroad will pay the remainder of the costs along with future maintenance costs. The city of Galesburg will maintain the highway approaches.
“The Grade Crossing Protection Fund allows Illinois to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades for safer train tracks and roadways for all,” ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said. “Our thanks go out to the city of Galesburg and BNSF Railway for bringing these much-needed improvement projects to the ICC’s attention.”
Work will occur at the Day Street, Pine Street, Lombard Street, Locust Street and South Farnham Street crossings, and all upgrades must completed within 18 months of the order date.
The GCPF funds public highway-rail safety projects such the installation of new warning systems, construction/reconstruction of grade separation structures, upgrades to existing warning devices, interconnection to nearby traffic signals, and the closure and consolidation of existing public crossings.