SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Commerce Commission approved its annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program to implement highway-rail safety projects at local roads across the state. Over $476 million dollars from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund and Rebuild Illinois will help communities and railroads pay for much-needed improvements at 424 crossing locations. The five-year plan includes 34 new bridge projects and 365 new grade crossing projects.
“Upgrading pedestrian crossings, flashing warning devices, and other critical safety infrastructure is a no brainer for keeping Illinoisans safe while they traverse rail tracks,” said ICC Commissioner Michael Carrigan. “Over 7,000 miles of track makes our state’s rail system the second largest in the nation, and the Grade Crossing Protection Fund is an essential tool for keeping these railways safe for all who use them.”
