SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed September 21-27, 2026, as Rail Safety Week in Illinois. In recognition, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety non-profit, are raising awareness with drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists on how to stay safe around railroad tracks and trains.
“Rail Safety Week reminds us of the dangers associated with highway-rail crossings, and the importance of looking and listening near railways,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I encourage Illinoisans to take the time to refresh their rail safety education and share that knowledge with loved ones.”
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A key focus of this year’s campaign is drawing attention to the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs posted at every highway-rail crossing. These signs contain vital contact and location information that can prevent collisions.
“Every three hours, a person or vehicle in the U.S. is struck by a train. Illinois is the second largest rail system in the nation, putting us at greater risk for collisions. Following rail safety protocols and knowing what to do in an emergency saves lives,” said Aisha Jackson, ICC Rail Safety Specialist and Illinois Operation Lifesaver Coordinator. “If you are ever stuck on railroad tracks, exit the vehicle immediately, and move to a safe distance. By calling the number on the blue and white sign, you can alert the railroad of your location and potentially avoid a crash.”
Rail safety has long been a top concern for the ICC. Each year, the agency authorizes millions from the Grade Crossing Protection and Rebuild Illinois Funds to help communities across Illinois make life-saving safety upgrades.
To highlight the significance the Grade Crossing Protection Fund has on communities and safety, this year’s rail safety week press conference was held in Springfield.
“The ICC has approved over $90 million to consolidate both the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to a shared corridor along 10th Street in Springfield. This funding focuses on at-grade crossing eliminations, new bridges, and safety warning device upgrades. This includes construction of 20 new highway-rail bridges which removed the interaction between trains and vehicles and eases traffic congestion,” said Doug Scott, Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman.
“The Hub and the Springfield Rail Improvement Project are two major projects that will have a lasting impact on our community. Both have taken years of planning, collaboration, and hard work to move forward, and safety has remained an important part of that work. The Springfield Rail Improvement Project closed 32 at-grade crossings and constructed eight new underpasses and one new overpass, making important safety improvements for our community. As we recognize Rail Safety Week, we’re reminded of how important it is to continue making our railroad crossings safer for pedestrians, drivers, first responders, and everyone who travels through Springfield,” said Misty Buscher, Springfield Mayor.
“The new Amtrak station, parking garage and pedestrian bridge linking to the bus terminal and the Sangamon County Building are expected to be completed in late 2027. This state-of-the-art facility will welcome visitors from all over the world, and keep travelers safe,” said Brad Miller, Sangamon County District 13 Board Member.
As the state’s rail safety experts, the ICC also promotes “The Three E’s” of railroad safety: education through Operation Lifesaver Illinois; enforcement of existing laws to ensure motorists and pedestrians obey rail safety laws; and the engineering necessary to make crossings as physically and operationally safe as possible.
To request an Operation Lifesaver presentation, please contact the ICC’s Rail Safety Specialist Aisha Jackson.
About the Illinois Commerce Commission
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate, reliable, efficient, and safe utility services at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, and sewer public utility companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal property warehouses, and repossession agencies. The Commission’s Rail Safety Program also inspects and regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities, and equipment in the state.
To learn more about the Commission, its offices, and bureaus, click here. If you are a consumer who needs help resolving a utility dispute call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint here. For a complaint related to transportation, call 217-782-6448.
Follow the Illinois Commerce Commission on social media @ILCommerceComm.
