The ICC Approves Rail Crossing Improvements Near Shelbyville

For Immediate Release – March 1, 2022

Springfield, IL – As a matter of public safety, the Illinois Commerce Commission recently granted approval of a Stipulated Agreement requiring the Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) to install new automatic warning devices at the CH 5/George Waggoner Road grade crossing, located near Shelbyville, Shelby County.

The estimated cost to install the new automatic warning devices is $367,289. Staff recommends that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be used to pay 95%, not to exceed $348,925, of the costs to install the new automatic warning devices at the crossing. UP will pay all remaining installation costs, as well as all future costs to maintain the new warning devices. Shelby County will not incur any cost associated with the safety improvements.

“The allocation of Grade Crossing Protection funds enables this important rail safety project to move forward, and that is good news for the community and all those traversing the crossing,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.

All work is to be completed by January 20, 2023.

To read Stipulated Agreement 2160 in Docket No. T22-0001 click here.

ABOUT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS GRADE CROSSING PROTECTION FUND (GCPF) In 1955, the State of Illinois passed legislation creating the GCPF. Since then, Illinois has strengthened its commitment to public highway-rail safety by increasing funding towards project such as the closure and consolidation of existing public crossings, installation of new warning systems, highway approach improvements, upgrades to existing warning devices and interconnection to nearby traffic signals, construction/reconstruction of grade separation structures and the construction of pedestrian grade separations. The Commission administers the GCPF, which is funded by motor fuel tax money designated for rail safety improvements. The General Assembly appropriates $42 million annually for the GCPF. For more information and to see the ICC’s annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program, click here.