Railroad Crossing Improvements Coming

18 railroad crossings in the 55th Senate District are slated for safety improvements as part of the Illinois Commerce Commission's Crossing Safety Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2017-2021.

St. Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon says the projects include automatic flashing light signals and gates, reconstructing approaches, or installing concrete slabs in Clark, Coles, Crawford, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence, Wabash, Wayne and White counties.

"My district is a major rail corridor with dozens of freight trains and passenger trains operating on a daily basis," said Righter. "With so many trains, it's imperative we are constantly improving our crossings and ensuring safety is a top priority. These improvements will go far in warning people about oncoming trains, which could ultimately save lives."

According to the Illinois Commerce Commission, they order safety improvements at public highway-rail crossings with the cost of such improvements paid by the State, the railroads, and local governments. On state roads, the Illinois Department of Transportation pays the majority of the costs through the State Road Fund. For local roads, the Grade Crossing Protection Fund was created to pay the majority of the costs of improvements.

One project will see installation of automatic flashing light signals and gates on Township Road 302 near Dieterich during Fiscal Year 2020. Three other projects will also include reconstruction of the crossing approaches as well as the light and gate installation. The projects are planned near Oblong on North 2200th Street in Fiscal 2020, and near Teutopolis on County Road 1800 East and on County Road 1900 East, both in Fiscal 2021.