On Thursday, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved funds to improve public safety at three highway-rail crossings in Carroll County. New automatic flashing lights with gates will be installed at the Riverview Circle highway-grade crossing (AAR/DOT #069428D) near Thomson, and the Doty Road (AAR/DOT #069432T) and Powerlab Road (AAR/DOT #093682S) crossings near Savanna.
“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,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.
The combined total estimated cost of the signal design and construction at all three crossings is $1,006,736. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will be used to pay 95 percent of the signal costs, not to exceed $956,396. BNSF Railway Company will pay the remaining 5 percent of the design and installation costs, all future operating and maintenance costs, and the cost of temporary STOP signs, where required.
The ICC’s decision also approves the allocation of an additional $38,640 for approach grade modifications at the Powerlab Road crossing, 100 percent of which will be covered by the GCPF. The Carroll County Highway Department will be responsible for all future maintenance costs at the Powerlab Road rehabilitation highway approaches 24 inches past the rails.
All required signal work is to be completed within 18 months of the ICC’s order.