Major Projects Set to Enhance Safety at Rail Crossings in Kane County
Kane County continues to make strides in transportation safety, with several critical railroad crossing improvement projects set for the coming years. These projects, funded through the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF), aim to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians across the region.
Illinois is a major transportation hub, ranking second in the nation for total highway-rail crossings, with 7,499 public highway-rail grade crossings as of February 2025. Of these, 739 are on state roads and 6,760 are on local roads. Additionally, the state boasts 2,623 grade-separated crossings (bridges) and has approximately 7,300 miles of railroad track, making it home to the nation's largest rail freight hub in Chicago.
In 2024, Illinois saw an estimated 80 collisions at public highway-rail crossings, marking a 10.1% decrease from 89 incidents in 2023. Nationally, collisions also declined slightly, with 1,866 reported compared to 1,885 the previous year. While most collisions involve trains striking vehicles, 20% of incidents in 2024 were caused by vehicles driving into the sides of trains—consistent with past trends. These 16 vehicle-into-train collisions resulted in eight injuries and four fatalities. Overall, Illinois recorded 18 fatalities from highway-rail crossing collisions in both 2023 and 2024. However, fatalities can vary based on factors like the number of passengers involved in each incident.
In 2025 alone, Kane County will see major safety enhancements at key railroad crossings. In Elgin, Lawrence Avenue will receive new crossing gates and upgraded automatic flashing light signals, with an investment of $260,000. Meanwhile, Huntley’s Kreutzer Road project will include a pedestrian crossing, reconstructed approach and crossing surface, public crossing relocation, and pedestrian gates, totaling $800,000 in improvements.
In Batavia, both Prairie Street and Wilson Street crossings will undergo surface reconstructions to ensure smoother and safer passage, addressing cost overruns from prior projects. In Burlington, Muirhead Road will benefit from a grade separation reconstruction, receiving more than $3.7 million in funding. Hampshire’s Brier Hill Road will also see the installation of gates and upgraded flashing signals to improve traffic control at a cost of approximately $360,000.
Looking ahead, Kane County is part of the ICC’s 2027-2030 plan, which will allocate nearly $254.7 million statewide for railroad safety improvements. Among these projects, Aurora’s Old Indian Trail and Sullivan Road crossings will receive pedestrian crossings, reconstructed approaches, and new safety gates, totaling nearly $1 million each. Batavia’s Kirk Road crossing is set for a signal and gate reconstruction, and South Elgin’s Randall Road will undergo a massive grade separation project, eliminating the at-grade crossing with a $32 million investment. Additionally, gates, LED lights, and remote monitors will be installed at Highland Avenue in Elgin, Reinking Road in Pingree Grove, and Walker Road in Hampshire.
See the complete list of projects and funding at https://icc.illinois.gov/api/web-management/documents/downloads/public/rr/Crossing%20Safety%20Improvement%20Program%20FY%202026-2030.pdf
