Crossing Safety Improvement Program (CSIP)

The Illinois Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF), administered by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), was established in 1955 to support local public agencies in implementing safety improvements at highway-rail crossings on local roads. It is not applicable to state routes. Each month, $3.25 million from the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) fund is allocated to the GCPF, yielding an annual total of $39 million specifically for safety projects on local road systems. This funding supports a variety of improvements aimed at reducing accidents and improving safety at highway-rail intersections. Eligible projects funded through the GCPF include the installation or upgrade of automatic warning devices such as flashing light signals and gates; construction and repair of grade separation structures such as overpasses and underpasses; pedestrian grade separations; interconnection upgrades between rail signals and adjacent traffic signals; improvements to highway approaches at rail crossings; connecting roads to facilitate closures of hazardous crossings; and voluntary closure of public crossings with financial incentives. The fund can also assist with crossing surface renewals and low-cost safety enhancements at unsignalized crossings. In some cases, projects involving limited pedestrian improvements may be eligible on a case-by-case basis. GCPF project selection begins with applications from local agencies or railroads or through internal data analysis by ICC staff. Projects are prioritized based on safety records, vehicular and train traffic volume, and regional equity considerations. Approved projects are incorporated into the ICC’s annual five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program (CSIP), published by early April each year. Applications are accepted year-round and held for five years for future consideration if not initially selected. The fund is not available for projects on state roads or private rail crossings, as these fall outside the scope of the ICC’s jurisdiction or are the responsibility of IDOT. Two main methods are available to secure funding: the Stipulated Agreement method and the Petition method. The Stipulated Agreement method is more common and typically used for projects costing less than $1 million and where there is mutual agreement among parties involved. For larger projects or when parties do not agree, a formal Petition process is required, including a public hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. In either case, projects must ultimately receive an ICC Order to formalize the funding agreement, define work scope and cost-sharing, and establish deadlines. Local public agencies eligible for funding include counties, municipalities, and townships within Illinois. The ICC and IDOT provide guidance and technical assistance throughout the application and construction phases. Completed project costs are reimbursed based on documented eligible expenditures after ICC Order approval. The ICC encourages early consultation to determine whether a project should proceed via Stipulated Agreement or Petition, and to ensure alignment with applicable safety and engineering standards. Contact for the program includes the ICC Rail Safety Section at 527 E. Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701, phone (217) 782-7660. Additional coordination may occur through the IDOT Bureau of Local Roads and Streets and its district offices statewide. Projects typically follow state fiscal year timelines (July 1 – June 30), and new project applications are encouraged as early as possible to facilitate planning and alignment with the CSIP.

Projects are held for 5 years. Engage early with ICC staff to determine method (stipulated or petition).