Illinois, Ohio commissions approve upgrades at grade crossings

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on May 21 approved a new automatic warning device and circuitry upgrade at the Wyckles Road grade crossing in Warrensburg.

The state’s Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will cover 95% of the estimated $507,354 total cost for the new warning devices, with Illinois Central Railroad, a subsidiary of CN, being responsible for all remaining design, installation and maintenance costs, ICC officials said in a press release. All work is to be completed within 18 months.

Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission for CSX and Indiana & Ohio Railway Co. (IORY), a Genesee & Wyoming Inc. railroad, to improve crossings in four locations.

CSX will install flashing lights and gates at the Lyntz Road crossing in Trumbull County by May 27, 2027, and the Township Road 150 crossing in Hancock County by Feb. 27, 2027. Federal funding of $334,515 and $348,561 will cover the costs of the projects, respectively. 

IORY will install flashing lights and gates at the Shawnee Run Road crossing by Feb. 27, 2027, and Miami Avenue crossing by Aug. 27, 2027. Both crossings are located in Hamilton County. Federal funding of $439,755 and $690,597 will cover the costs of the projects, respectively.