Illinois Approves $376M for Rail Crossing Safety Upgrades

Funding will cover 387 projects to improve warning devices, bridges, and pedestrian crossings across the state.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:15pm

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The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved a $376 million, five-year plan to implement safety upgrades at nearly 400 highway-rail crossings across the state. The Crossing Safety Improvement Program will fund new automatic warning signs, crossing gates, and grade separation projects to prevent collisions and save lives.

Why it matters

With over 10,000 public highway-rail crossings in Illinois, improving safety at these locations is crucial to reducing the number of collisions and fatalities. The state funding will allow communities to address longstanding safety concerns and rising project costs.

The details

The five-year plan proposes using the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) and Rebuild Illinois (RBI) funds to cover 21 highway bridges, six pedestrian projects, 336 warning device upgrades, and 24 low-cost crossing improvements. The ICC prioritizes projects based on factors like safety, collision history, traffic volume, and engineering requirements.

  • The ICC approved the five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program (FY 2027-2031) on March 28, 2026.
  • In 2025, there were 119 collisions at public crossings in Illinois, resulting in 34 fatalities.

The players

Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC)

A quasi-judicial body that oversees public utility and transportation safety programs in Illinois.

Michael T. Carrigan

ICC Commissioner who stated that the Crossing Safety Improvement Program sets priority rail safety projects in motion to prevent train collisions and save lives.

Aisha Jackson

ICC Rail Safety Specialist who emphasized the importance of new warning signs, crossing gates, and grade separation projects in keeping motorists and pedestrians safe around tracks and trains.

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What they’re saying

“Illinois is home to more than 10,000 public highway-rail crossings. The ICC's Crossing Safety Improvement Program sets priority rail safety projects in motion for the upcoming year and beyond with the aim of preventing train collisions and saving lives.”

— Michael T. Carrigan, ICC Commissioner

“New automatic warning signs, crossing gates, and grade separation projects go a long way toward keeping motorists and pedestrians safe around tracks and trains. Equally important is knowledge. If you find yourself stuck on train tracks, exit the car immediately. Once safely off the tracks, look for the blue and white sign posted at the crossing, and call the emergency number to alert the railroad of the danger ahead.”

— Aisha Jackson, ICC Rail Safety Specialist

What’s next

The ICC will continue to prioritize and implement the safety projects outlined in the five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program, with the goal of reducing collisions and fatalities at highway-rail crossings across Illinois.

The takeaway

This significant investment in rail crossing safety demonstrates Illinois' commitment to protecting motorists, pedestrians, and rail passengers. By upgrading warning systems, bridges, and pedestrian crossings, the state is taking proactive steps to prevent tragic accidents and save lives.