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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Eric J. Gallt, City Traffic Engineer
DATE: February 16, 2015
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Stipulated Agreement with the Illinois Commerce Commission and Wisconsin Central Limited for the grade crossing improvements at Montgomery Road
PURPOSE:
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) requires an agreement with the City of Aurora to allow Wisconsin Central to complete needed grade crossing improvements at the Montgomery Road crossing.
BACKGROUND:
The ICC is requiring Wisconsin Central, a subsidiary of CN Railways, to improve the grade crossing at Montgomery Road. Staff has received multiple complaints regarding the crossing over the last few months. Due to the number the number of school bus routes that utilize this corridor, staff recommends the construction of the project in the summer of 2015.
DISCUSSION:
The improvements include an at grade rubberized grade crossing to replace the existing asphalt crossing. The agreement does not require any financial contribution on behalf of the City.
The crossing improvements will require a minimum of a one week shut down of Montgomery Road at the railroad crossing. With the current construction of the grade separation on Ogden Road, Montgomery Road has seen a significant increase in traffic volumes. More importantly, Montgomery Road is a major thoroughfare for school bus traffic in the area with over 60 crossings per day of the railroad track. Postponing construction to summer of 2015 will have a two-fold impact. The first being the elimination of bus traffic and potential route rerouting during construction the second being a natural 10% reduction traffic volumes over the corridor during summer months.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
No impact
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Peters, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Stipulated Agreement with the Illinois Commerce Commission and Wisconsin Central Limited for the grade crossing improvements at Montgomery Road
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, there exists a need to improve the grade crossing at Montgomery Road and the Wisconsin Central rail crossing, and
WHEREAS, the Stipulated Agreement does not require any financial contribution from the City of Aurora )
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a Stipulated Agreement with the Illinois Commerce Commission and Wisconsin Central Limited for the grade crossing improvements at Montgomery Road