Illinois Commission Approves $993,328 for BNSF Crossing Upgrades

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved funding for BNSF Railway to perform safety enhancements at three grade crossings. The action allocates nearly $1 million from the state’s Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) for the work in Carroll and Ogle counties.

The project requires BNSF to install new automatic flashing light signals and gates at three specific at-grade crossings. The locations identified in the ICC approval are Oakville Road, Brookeville and Ogle Road, and West Oregon Trail Road. All construction and installation work must reach completion by the mandated deadline of August 5, 2027.

Verification data confirms the ICC’s approval, the approximate funding amount, and the involvement of BNSF in the two counties. However, a discrepancy exists regarding the project’s scope, as the secondary data identified only the Oakville Road crossing and another unspecified “B crossing,” while failing to list the other two locations detailed in the primary announcement.

The financial structure of the project is a public-private partnership. The GCPF will finance 95% of the total project costs, with a maximum contribution of $993,328. BNSF Railway is financially responsible for the remaining 5% of the initial signal design and installation costs. Additionally, BNSF will bear 100% of all future operating and maintenance expenses associated with the new equipment for the life of the assets.

BNSF will now proceed with the necessary signal design and engineering work ahead of installation. The upgrades are intended to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety at the rural crossings. The ICC will monitor compliance with the project completion timeline.