ROBERTS, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved nearly $1.6 million from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to upgrade railroad crossings in Ford County.
The funding will be used to replace outdated warning devices and improve public safety at the Weldon Street, Main Street, and Green Street highway-rail crossings near Roberts.
"Illinois' Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible to install effective safety infrastructure at rail crossings in all parts of the state," ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan said. "The upgrades in Ford County are a prime example of how the ICC is putting state dollars to work to keep our railways safe."
The GCPF will cover 95% of the estimated cost of the signal design and construction. Illinois Central Railroad will pay the remaining 5% of the cost to update the warning devices, and all future costs to maintain the signals and circuitry.
The decision also approved over $67,000 from the GCPF to remove existing track and resurface the Weldon Street crossing.
All work should be completed within 18 months of the ICC's order.
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