Fencing

As part of the Illinois High-Speed Rail commitment to enhance safety along the Chicago to St. Louis Corridor, fencing will be installed within urban areas and select rural areas.  The fencing will be placed within Union Pacific Railroad’s right-of-way.  Typically this will be one foot inside Union Pacific’s right-of-way.  Additionally, the fencing will be maintained by Union Pacific.  

Fencing locations are determined during field reviews conducted by the Illinois Commerce Commission, Union Pacific Railroad, and the Illinois Department of Transportation.  Reviewers look for pedestrian traffic generators, such as nearby schools and parks, as well as signs of current pedestrian trespass across the railroad.  As designs are finalized, local communities will be notified of plans for fencing in their neighborhoods.

Ornamental fencing will be used within urban areas and chain-link fence will be used in locations outside of urban areas.  Photographs of the typical urban area fencing can be seen in the Media Center. 

Through Illinois Operation Lifesaver, the Illinois Commerce Commission offers education and outreach on railroad safety.  If you are interested in additional information, please contact the Illinois Commerce Commission to schedule a safety program for your community.  Contact Chip Pew at (312) 636-3034 or cpew@icc.illinois.gov.