Farmers Weekly Review

The Joliet City Council approved an agreement to provide grant funding for a Phase 1 engineering study for a potential grade separation project at the Laraway Road and Union Pacific (UP) Railroad grade crossing.
This initiative aims to improve vehicle safety and reduce the potential for vehicle-train interactions. The Council’s action included approving a resolution to enter into an agreement with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the study.
The city previously partnered with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) on a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study to evaluate issues and potential solutions at the Laraway Road and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) crossing, located between Brandon Road and Illinois 53.
“With the Council’s approval, the City will now execute an agreement between the ICC, IDOT, and Joliet to perform the study,” explained Greg Ruddy, Director of Public Works, in a press release from the city.
“The ICC has committed to funding the full cost of the Phase 1 study, which is estimated to be $3.5 million. This estimate is based on preliminary total construction costs that vary between $40 million and $70 million.”
The wide range in cost estimates is due to multiple alternatives for improvements at the intersection of Laraway Road and Illinois 53, Ruddy said.
Phase I Engineering primarily involves preliminary engineering and environmental clearances, while Phase II Engineering entails detailed design and is separate from actual construction.
The ICC has committed the funds through their Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF). The GCPF, appropriated to the Illinois Department of Transportation but administered by the Illinois Commerce Commission, was created by the General Assembly to assist local jurisdictions (counties, townships, and municipalities) in funding safety improvements at highway-railroad crossings on local roads and streets.
The city will lead and manage the study and project, as the location falls within the city’s jurisdiction. Next steps will include the city retaining a consultant to complete the study, with costs reimbursed by the ICC.
“This entire project is estimated to take several years to complete, based on many variables,” Ruddy stated. “Ultimately, it is the safety of our residents and those visiting Joliet that drives this project.”