Rail Signal Continues To Malfunction At Lockport Crossing

LOCKPORT, IL — Rail signal malfunctions are causing resident complaints and safety concerns in Lockport. The railroad crossing at Ninth Street, just before the bridge in downtown Lockport, has experienced malfunctions recently causing the gate to lower when there is no train coming. This malfunction has caused traffic delays throughout the downtown area.

The city said it has no jurisdiction to make any improvements to CN rail lines, which the Ninth Street crossing is a part of. The crossing was closed earlier this month for repairs, but the problem continues to persist.

Lockport Mayor Steve Streit recently met with Sen. Mike Hastings of the 19th District to share safety concerns. Hastings has invited Streit to Springfield next week to attend meetings with CN and IDOT to see what can be done to ensure more safety measures are implemented as soon as possible, the city said.

Lockport has been awarded over $1 million in grants from IDOT (from the Fixing America's Surface Transportations Act) which can be used for safety measures for CN crossings at 13th, Ninth and Eighth streets. The city said Lockport could also potentially be awarded additional FAST funds to utilize toward implementing new designs for added crossing safety.

The city continues to try and coordinate with CN, IDOT, ICC and Metra on railway safety throughout Lockport.

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