Illinois Commerce Commission approves rail safety upgrades near Camp Point

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) authorized on Thursday the installation of new automatic warning devices and circuitry at the 2200 Avenue highway-rail grade crossing of BNSF Railway Company’s tracks near Camp Point in Adams County. 

“Highway-rail grade crossing upgrades prevent collisions, keeping pedestrians and motorists safer on our roadways,” ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said in a press release. “The Grade Crossing Protection Fund helps critical, life-saving projects like the one in Adams County become a reality for communities across Illinois.”   

The total estimated cost of the signal design and installation is $317,704. The ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund be used to pay 95 percent of the signal design and construction costs, not to exceed $301,818. 

BNSF will pay 5 percent of the cost to design and install the new crossing warning devices, and the cost of future maintenance of the signals and circuitry. BNSF will be responsible for installation and maintenance of temporary stop signs to replace the yield signs on the Crossbuck Assemblies until the new automatic warning devices are in service. 

All work must be completed within 18 months from the order date. 

More information may be found in Stipulated Agreement 2355, Docket No. T25-0002.

The ICC administers the Grade Crossing Protection Fund, which is funded by motor fuel tax money designated for rail safety improvements. The General Assembly appropriates $42 million annually for the GCPF.

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. 

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 a complaint related to transportation, call 217-782-6448.