The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved a plan that authorizes $376 million in funding for grade crossing safety improvements and highway-rail grade separations at approximately 387 crossing locations.
The annual five-year plan covers fiscal years 2027 to 2031 and proposes using Grade Crossing Protection Fund money to help cover the cost of six pedestrian projects, 21 highway bridges, 336 warning device upgrades, and 24 low-cost crossing improvements.
“New automatic warning signs, crossing gates, and grade separation projects go a long way toward keeping motorists and pedestrians safe around tracks and trains,” Aisha Jackson, ICC rail safety specialist, said. “Equally important is knowledge. If you find yourself stuck on train tracks, exit the car immediately. Once safely off the tracks, look for the blue and white sign posted at the crossing, and call the emergency number to alert the railroad of the danger ahead.”
The ICC prioritizes projects based on factors such as engineering requirements, collision history, safety of the existing crossing, traffic volume, and geographical location. The ICC also promotes enforcement of existing laws.
There are more than 10,000 public highway-rail crossings in Illinois. Last year, there were 119 collisions at public crossings and 34 fatalities, according to Federal Railroad Administration preliminary data.