SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (April 24, 2025) — On Thursday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) authorized public safety upgrades at multiple highway-rail crossings in Rock Island, Henry, and Bureau Counties. The projects designate funding to install automatic flashing light signals and gates at the 1st Street (AAR/DOT #604322J), 6th Street (AAR/DOT #604319B), 34th Street (AAR/DOT #605932V), and 41st Street (AAR/DOT #605933C) crossings in Moline; the North Main Street (AAR/DOT #606939W) crossing in Annawan; the North State Street (AAR/DOT #606940R) crossing in Atkinson; and the North School Street (AAR/DOT #606950W), South Main Street (AAR/DOT #863569B), and County Road 550 East (AAR/DOT #863572J) crossings in Sheffield.
“Warning signals, gates, and other improvements to Illinois’ existing rail infrastructure are important for preventing train collisions and keeping Illinoisans safer when they need to cross train tracks. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund helps make these critical safety projects possible for local communities,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T Carrigan.
The estimated cost of the nine new warning signals totals $3.1 million. ICC staff recommend the Grade Crossing Protection Fund be used to pay 95 percent of the signal design and construction costs. Iowa Interstate Railroad will be responsible for all remaining signal design and installation costs, as well as any future maintenance costs.
All work must be completed within eighteen months from the order date.
More information may be found in Stipulated Agreements 2359 (Docket N° T25-0023) and 2360 (Docket N° T25-0022).
The ICC encourages all rail crossing users to remain vigilant and adhere to safety regulations in and around crossings.
About the Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund
In 1955, the State of Illinois passed legislation creating the GCPF. Since then, Illinois has strengthened its commitment 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 nearby traffic signals, construction/reconstruction of grade-separation structures, and the construction of pedestrian grade separations. The ICC administers the GCPF, which is funded by motor fuel tax money designated for rail-safety improvements. The General Assembly appropriates $42 million annually for the GCPF. Read more information on the ICC's annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program here.
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-related complaints call 847-294-4326.
Follow the Illinois Commerce Commission on social media @ILCommerceComm.
