Safety at railroad crossings is set to improve dramatically in Marion County, according to a recent announcement by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). A stipulated agreement that has been approved will see new automated warning devices installed at key sites across the area.
The project aims at "reducing collisions and keeping Illinoisians safe alongside train tracks," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan in a statement obtained by the press. With efforts to significantly upgrade safety mechanisms, the communities near these crossings can soon expect to witness more robust safety infrastructure. The crossings included are the Edgar Road crossing near Kinmundy, the Laughman Road crossing near Alma, and the West Line Road crossing near Odin. Collectively, these upgrades are poised to make to directly affect how residents interact with these spaces.
The funding for these essential improvements is coming predominantly from Illinois' Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF), which will cover 95 percent of the design and installation costs for signals, capping its contribution at $1,437,124 of the estimated $1,512,762 price tag. The Illinois Central Railway Company is set to chip in for the remaining 5 percent of the signal costs, as well as all ongoing maintenance for the signals and related circuitry. The enhancements will not only include the installation of new warning signals but will also improve the highway approaches to these crossings—a job projected at $829,000 and one which will be fully funded by the GCPF. The local Township Road Districts will assume the responsibility for the highway approaches' maintenance thereafter.
Under the agreement, all upgrades must be completed within 18 months of the order date. For those looking to dive deeper into the details of the projects, Stipulated Agreements 2322, 2324, and 2352 are available for review. Further information about the ICC, its array of comprehensive programs, and the services it oversees can be found here. Consumers and businesses in need of assistance can also reach out directly to the Commission's dedicated helplines for support.
