Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Rail Safety Program Funding

ICC CONTACT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cayli Baker March 25, 2026 Offi c e: (312) 793-8841 Cayli.Baker @illinois.gov

ICC approves over $370 million for rail safety improvements

Chicago, IL – On Thursday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved its annual five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program (FY 2027-2031) to implement life-saving safety upgrades at highway-rail crossings. The plan authorizes $376 million in funding for grade crossing safety improvements and highway-rail grade separations at approximately 387 crossing locations. “Illinois is home to more than 10,000 public highway-rail crossings. The ICC’s Crossing Safety Improvement Program sets priority rail safety projects in motion for the upcoming year and beyond with the aim of preventing train collisions and saving lives,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan. In 2025, preliminary Federal Railroad Administration data indicates there were 119 collisions at public crossings in Illinois, and 34 fatalities. State funding from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) and Rebuild Illinois (RBI) provide Illinois communities with the ability to address longstanding safety concerns and increasing project costs. The five-year plan proposes GCPF dollars to help cover 21 highway bridges, six pedestrian projects, 336 warning device upgrades, and 24 low-cost crossing improvements. Project readiness, cooperation of the railroads, and the support of local, state, and federal governments are crucial to advancing the implementation of the safety initiatives in the plan. “New automatic warning signs, crossing gates, and grade separation projects go a long way toward keeping motorists and pedestrians safe around tracks and trains,” said ICC Rail Safety Specialist Aisha Jackson. “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 several factors including safety of the existing crossing, collision history, traffic volume, engineering requirements, and geographical location. The ICC also promotes “The Three E’s” of railroad safety: Education through Operation Lifesaver Illinois: Enforcement of existing laws to ensure motorists and pedestrians obey rail safety laws; and the Engineering necessary to make crossings as physically and operationally safe as possible. More information on CSIP projects and an interactive map of current projects are available on the ICC’s website. ### About the Illinois Commerce Commission The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate,

reliable, efficient, and safe utility services at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, and sewer public utility companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal property warehouses, and repossession agencies. The Commission’s Rail Safety Program also inspects and regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities, and equipment in the state. To learn more about the Commission, its offices, and bureaus, click here. If you are a consumer who needs help resolving a utility dispute call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint here. For transportation complaints, call 847-294-4326. Follow the Illinois Commerce Commission on social media @ILCommerceComm.