The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved $764,651 for improvements to the Canadian National Railroad crossing on Dusty Road south of Farina. The project requires the CN railroad to install automatic warning devices and make grade improvements to the crossing approaches. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund will pay for 95-percent of the design and installation of the new warning devices estimated at $379,651 and all of the $386,000 to improve the approaches.
Marion County Highway Engineer Mike McCormick says the nearby Sigrist Road crossing will be closed.
All work is expected to be completed within 18 months of the order date.
Meacham Township will pay all future maintenance costs for the new rehabilitated approaches.
ICC Commissioner Michael Carrigan says projects like the one in Marion County are necessary to keep pedestrians and motorists safe on or near railroad tracks and trains. He notes the Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible for local communities to make these much-need upgrades.
The Grade Crossing Protection Fund is funded by motor fuel tax money designation for rail safety improvements. The Illinois general assembly appropriates $42-million annually to the fund.
