Springfield, IL, ILLINOIS, October 13 - The Illinois Commerce Commission recently approved a Stipulated Agreement to advance three highway-rail crossing safety improvements projects in Livingston County. The Agreement requires the Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) to install automatic warning devices and circuitry at the Morris Road highway-rail crossing (AAR/DOT #534435V, railroad milepost KS-130.5) in Dwight, at CR2300E near Dwight (AAR/DOT #534450X, railroad milepost KS-133.87) and at CR 975E near Streator (AAR/DOT #534465M, railroad milepost KS-147.05).

The total combined estimated cost for the new automatic devices is $1,151,537. ICC staff recommended that the Grade Crossing Protection Funds be used to pay up to 95% of the signal design and installation costs, not to exceed $1,093,962. NS will pay all remaining signal design and installation costs as well as all future operating and maintenance costs for the new warning devices.

"Keeping pedestrians, motorists and rail employee safe near and around railroad tracks is a top priority for the ICC. The allocation of Grade Crossing Protection funds enables important rail safety projects like these to move forward, and that's a win for everyone who uses the crossings," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.

All work is expected to be completed within 18 months of the Order date.