ICC Approves Rail Safety Upgrades At Two Ogle County Crossings

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Commerce Commission approved nearly $1 million last week for railroad safety improvements at three BNSF Railway crossings, including two in Ogle County near Milledgeville and Polo. The upgrades will add automatic flashing light signals and gates at the South Brookeville Ogle Road crossing near Milledgeville and the West Oregon Trail Road crossing near Polo, along with a third crossing on Oakville Road near Chadwick in Carroll County. The Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund will cover up to $993,328, or about 95 percent of the project cost, with BNSF responsible for the remaining expenses and all future maintenance. The commission said the work must be completed within 18 months of the order.