ICC Authorizes New Bridge Construction Project Near Collinsville

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a petition filed by the County of Madison giving them the authority to re-align Lebanon Road and construct a new bridge over the CSX tracks near Collinsville. The new bridge (AAR/DOT# 973711F, CSX milepost QS-224.34) will be constructed in conjunction with the closure and elimination of functionally obsolete underpasses on the current Lebanon Road.

"The ICC is committed to improving highway-rail crossings and bridges in communities across Illinois to keep motorists and pedestrians safe. These projects will greatly improve emergency vehicle access, school bus safety, and better accommodate increased traffic in the area," said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.

The estimated construction cost of the project is $20,635,000. In the Agreed Order, ICC Staff recommends assistance from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) be authorized to reimburse Madison County in an amount not to exceed $15,605,000 of eligible costs associated with the project. The County of Madison is responsible for all remaining project costs and those not eligible for reimbursement from the GCPF.

Upon completion of the project, Collinsville Township Road District will be responsible for all future maintenance costs associated with the new Lebanon Road overpass and connecting roadways.

Completion of the bridge is expected to be done by November 30, 2025, at which time the former Lebanon and Lockmann Road underpasses are expected to close to public travel.

The Agreed Order can be found within Docket No. T23-0037 by clicking here.

ABOUT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS GRADE CROSSING PROTECTION FUND (GCPF)

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 Commission 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. For more information and to see the ICC's annual Crossing Safety Improvement Program, click here.

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 Commission'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, click here. If you are a consumer who needs help resolving a utility dispute call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint here. For a complaint related to transportation, call 217-782-6448.

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