The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), a quasi-judicial body that oversees reliable, efficient, and safe utility services, recently approved funding for the installation of automatic flashing lights with gates at three highway-rail crossings in Carroll County.
The projects will cost $1.006 million. The Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will pay 95 percent of the signals’ costs not to exceed $956,396 while BNSF Railway Company will pay the remaining 5 percent of the design and installation costs. BNSF also will pay all future operating and maintenance costs, and the cost of temporary STOP signs where required.
“These upgrades will save lives, and the Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible to install modernized warning devices at highway-rail crossings in communities across Illinois,” ICC Commissioner Michael Carrigan said.
The gates will be installed at the Riverview Circle highway-grade crossing near Thomson, and the Doty Road and Powerlab Road crossings near Savanna. Work will be completed within 18 months of the ICC’s order.
The Carroll County Highway Department will be responsible for all future maintenance costs at the Powerlab Road crossing.
The ICC’s also approved the allocation of an additional $38,640 for approach grade modifications at the Powerlab Road crossing. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund will pay the entire amount.