Illinois panel OKs funding for crossing projects on UP, Metra lines

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on Dec. 4 approved over $400,000 from the state's Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to add warning devices to a grade crossing in Bureau County and trespassing prevention fences along tracks in DuPage County.

The commission approved $285,000 in funding to install new automatic warning signs at a Union Pacific Railroad grade crossing near the village of Buda in Bureau County. The approved funding will cover 95% of the estimated project cost. UP will pay the remaining 5% of installation costs and any future maintenance, ICC officials said in a news release. All work is to be completed by June 4, 2027.

The ICC approved $115,000 to be used for a project designed to improve public safety and deter trespassing on Chicago commuter railroad Metra tracks near Fenton High School in Bensenville, DuPage County.

That project calls for construction of 1,700 feet of trespass fencing, which will redirect pedestrians toward the Busse Road and Kingery Expressway crossing. The village must complete the work by June 4, 2026, with the cost divided among the village, the school district and the GCPF, ICC officials said.