Lockport Discusses Private Railroad Crossing At Chevron Property

LOCKPORT, IL — At its Wednesday committee of the whole meeting, the Lockport City Council discussed approving an agreement for a private railroad crossing lease with BNSF at the former Chevron property.

When Lockport purchased the former Chevron site in 2021, it included a private BNSF railroad crossing, according to council documents. Chevron continued to hold the non-transferable lease until the sale was complete.

"It's not really a public crossing," City Administrator Ben Benson said. "It's really considered a private crossing, since the entire property is fenced in, and even the crossing itself is also fenced and locked."

As part of the purchase sales agreement, Lockport was required to enter into a lease for the railroad crossing with BNSF, which is a cost of $7,000 over a 25 year-term, plus possible maintenance requirements.

The crossing is eligible for quiet zone improvements, Benson said. The City plans to submit an application for quiet zone status at the crossing after repairs at the old Ninth Street crossing in the spring.

The Council did not approve any action on the lease, but the agreement will return at a later meeting date for final approval by the council.