April 25, 2024 – The Illinois Commerce Commission has greenlit plans to replace aging crossing warning systems at two key Canadian National Illinois Central Railroad (CN/IC) highway-rail grade crossings along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Decatur.
The approved agreements entail the installation of automatic flashing light signals and crossing gates at the crossings with an estimated total cost of $474,624 and $509,097.
“Keeping Illinoisans safe on and alongside train tracks is a top priority for the ICC,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.
Funding for 95% of the signal design and construction costs will come from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF), with CN/IC contributing the remaining 5% and covering all future maintenance expenses.
The GCPF will also cover 100% of the City’s expenses for replacing traffic signal control equipment, interconnect cabling, blank out signs, and fiber optic connections, up to a maximum of $239,850.
Completion of all upgrades is mandated within 18 months from the date of the Order.
By: Isaiah Bradford
