Illinois Rail Safety: $1.8M in ICC Approvals – Union Pacific

Illinois ICC approves $1.8M for crucial rail safety improvements, including grade crossing upgrades.

Illinois Rail Safety: $1.8M in ICC Approvals – Union Pacific
September 13, 2025 11:30 am

“`html

Introduction

On September 4, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved approximately $1.8 million for three rail safety improvement projects, including one near Shelbyville in Shelby County, one near Davis Junction in Ogle County, and another in Jackson County.

Rail Safety Project Approvals

The ICC approved funding for the installation of automatic warning devices and highway approach improvements at the County Road 500 N grade crossing near Shelbyville in Shelby County. The total cost of this signal installation project is $689,518. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) will cover 95% of the cost, not to exceed $655,042. Union Pacific Railroad will pay the remaining 5%, as well as all future maintenance costs. Highway approach grade improvements will cost $193,000, 100% of which will be funded by the GCPF.

Additional Approved Projects

The ICC also approved the installation of automatic warning devices and highway approach improvements at the Blackwood Road crossing near Davis Junction in Ogle County.

Funding Allocation Details

The ICC approved approximately $1.8 million for the three projects.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s new cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub, boosting Cercanías efficiency. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved approximately $1.8 million for rail safety improvements in Shelby, Ogle, and Jackson Counties, including projects involving automatic warning devices and highway approach improvements at specific grade crossings.

Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC)

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is the regulatory agency in Illinois responsible for overseeing public utilities, including rail safety and infrastructure improvements.

Union Pacific Railroad

Union Pacific Railroad is a major freight railroad operating in the Western United States.

Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF)

The Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) is a fund used to support rail safety projects in Illinois.

“`