Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Rail Safety Upgrades

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 202 6 ICC CONTACT Cayli Baker O ff i c e: (312) 793 - 8841 Cayli.Baker @illinois.gov ICC approves r ail safety improvements for Carroll & Ogle Counties Springfield, IL – On Thursday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved nearly $1 million for safety upgrades at three highway- rail crossing s of the BNSF R ailway Company’s track in Carroll and Ogle counties. The s tipulated agreement requ ires the ins tallation o f new automat ic flashing lig ht signals and gates at the Oakville Road (AAR/DOT #069883W), Brookeville/Ogle Road (AAR/DOT #069853E), and W. Oregon Trail Road (AAR/DOT #069838C) crossings. “Illinois’ Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) makes it possible to install modernized safety infrastructu re at rail cros sings in all parts o f the state. T hese projects in C a rroll and Ogle counties are a perfect of example of how our agency is putting GCPF dollars to work,” said ICC Commis sioner Michael T. Carrigan. The GCPF will co ver 95 percent of the combined estimated cost fo r the new automatic warning devices at all three crossings, not to exceed $993,328. BNSF Railway Company will pay all remaining signal design and installation costs, and all future operating and maintenance costs related to the new warning devices. All work is to be completed within 18 months of the ICC’s order. For more information about the project, v isit Docket No. T25-0108. ### A bout the Illinois Grade C rossing Protection Fun d In 1955, the State of Illinois passed legislation creating the GCPF. Since then, Illinois has strengthened its commitmen t to public highway- rail safety by increasing funding toward projects such as the closure and consolidation of existing public crossings, installation of new warning systems, highway approach improvements, upgrades to existing warning devices and interconnection to ne ar by traffic si gnals, construction /reconstructi on of grade separat ion structures, and the construction of pedestrian grade separations. The ICC administers the GCP F, which is funded by motor fuel tax money designated f or rail safety improvements. T he Gener al Assembly app ropriates $42 million annua lly for the GCP F. Read more information on the ICC's annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program here. About the Illino is Commerce Co mmission The ICC is a quasi - judicial body made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission o versees the provisi on of adequate, reliab le, efficient, and safe utility services at th e least possible cost to Ill inois citizens served by elec tric, natural gas, telecommunica tions, water, and sewer public utility companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and co nsumer protection programs with reg ard to intrasta te commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal propert y

warehouses, and repossession agencies. Th e ICC ’s Rail Safety Program also insp ects and regulates the general safety of railro ad tracks, facilities, and equipment in the state. To learn more about the Commission, its offices, and bureaus here. Consumers who need help resolving a utility dis pute can call 800 -524 - 0795 or file an online complaint. For all transporta tion - related complaints, call 847 -294-4326. Follow the Illin ois Commerce Commission on s ocial media @ILComme rceComm.