SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – This year’s announcement of Rail Safety Week tied in with Sprinfield’s rail consolidation project.

“Separating pedestrian and motorists from train tracks reduces the likelihood of crashes,” said Illinois Commerce Commission chairman Doug Scott at Thursday’s event at the Sangamon County Complex. “Once completed, the Tenth Street corridor will replace more than 25 at-grade crossings, which will be eliminated. The safety benefits of these improvements will be all the more important with train volumes expected to increase from 35 to 81 trains per day by 2030.”

Scott said in 2025, Illinois saw 135 collisions, 52 injuries, and 29 deaths at rail crossings. He said the consolidation project, including construction of the Hub adjacent to the county building, will dramatically improve safety.

“Every three hours, a person or vehicle in the U.S. is struck by a train,” said Aisha Jackson (pictured, at mic), the ICC’s rail safety specialist. “How can we stay safe? By obeying the warning signs and signals, and remember: trains always have the right of way.”