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The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved safety upgrades to two Norfolk Southern Railway grade crossings and one BNSF Railway Co. crossing.

NS plans to install automatic flashing light signals and gates controlled by constant warning time circuitry at crossings in Stonington and Pleasant View townships. To be completed in September 2009, the project also calls for improvements to one highway approach.

The ICC will provide $391,510 from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to cover 95 percent of signal installation costs. NS will pay all remaining installation costs and cover future operating and maintenance expenses for the warning devices.

By September 2009, BNSF plans to install automatic flashing light signals/gates and improve highway approaches at a crossing near Cameron. The ICC will provide $182,215 from the GCPF to cover 95 percent of warning device installation costs. BNSF will pay remaining installation costs and cover future operating and maintenance expenses.

Funded by motor fuel taxes designated for rail safety improvements, the GCPF provides $27 million annually for crossing upgrades and the construction or reconstruction of grade separations.