State of Illinois
09/10/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2026 13:02
ICC approves rail safety improvements for McHenry County
Chicago, Il - On Thursday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved $1.1 million from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to install new automatic warning devices and concrete crossing surfaces at the East Solon Road (AAR/DOT #387886T) and Blivin Street (AAR/DOT #387884E) highway-rail crossings near Solon Mills and Spring Grove.
"Illinois' Grade Crossing Protection Fund makes it possible to install effective safety infrastructure at rail crossings in all parts of the state. The signal and surface upgrades in McHenry County are prime examples of how the ICC is putting state dollars to work to keep our railways safe," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.
The GCPF will cover 95 percent of the estimated signal design and construction costs, not to exceed $866,228. The Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) will pay the remaining 5 percent to update the warning devices, and all future costs to maintain the signals and circuitry. The decision also approves $261,043 from the GCPF for crossing surface materials. WSOR will pay all installation and maintenance costs for the new crossing surfaces.
All work is to be completed within 18 months of the ICC's order. Project details can be found in Docket No. T26-0037 .
About the Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund
In 1955, the State of Illinois passed legislation creating the GCPF. Since then, Illinois has strengthened its commitment to public highway-rail safety by increasing funding toward projects such as the closure and consolidation of existing public crossings, installation of new warning systems, highway approach improvements, upgrades to existing warning devices and interconnection to nearby traffic signals, construction/reconstruction of grade separation structures, and the construction of pedestrian grade separations. The ICC administers the GCPF, which is funded by motor fuel tax money designated for rail safety improvements. The General Assembly appropriates $42 million annually for the GCPF. Read more information on the ICC's annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program here .
About the Illinois Commerce Commission
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate, reliable, efficient, and safe utility services at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, and sewer public utility companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal property warehouses, and repossession agencies. The ICC's Rail Safety Program also inspects and regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities, and equipment in the state.
To learn more about the Commission, its offices, and bureaus here . Consumers who need help resolving a utility dispute can call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint . For all transportation-related complaints, call 847-294-4326.
State of Illinois published this content on September 10, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 10, 2026 at 19:02 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]