Warning flashers, monitoring devices planned for rail crossing near Polo

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Commerce Commission will allocate 95% of the funding needed to improve a highway railway crossing in Ogle County.

Under the agreement, BNSF Railway Co. will install new automatic flashing light signals and other safety monitoring devices at the North Union Road High crossing near Polo.

The improvements also include an event recorder and remote monitoring system.

BNSF has a year to complete the project.

The total cost of the project is anticipated to be $223,364. The Grade Crossing Protection Fund will account for $212,193 of it.

“These upgrades are needed and will greatly improve safety at this location,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan in a news release. “This is good news for the community and anyone who utilizes the crossing.”