ICC Petition Hearing

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As of the most recent update (August 2025), there have been three official Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) hearings held regarding the pedestrian gate installation project at the Union Pacific crossings in Barrington under Docket T25-0021:

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1. May 8, 2025 – Initial hearing following the Village and IDOT’s joint petition.

2. June 5, 2025 – Second hearing where parties agreed on a draft interim order and discussed monthly updates.

3. July 9, 2025 – Third hearing focused on a potential stipulated agreement and outstanding legal/engineering issues.

4. August 13, 2025 – Scheduled as the fourth hearing. Here is the link to join. (Please turn off camera and mic before joining) 

 

At the July 9 hearing for Docket T25-0021, the Village of Barrington, Union Pacific (UP), and IDOT discussed possibly expediting the pedestrian gate project by proceeding through a stipulated agreement rather than the full hearing process. A stipulated agreement refers to a mutually agreed-upon resolution among all involved parties (the Village of Barrington, Union Pacific Railroad, IDOT, and ICC staff) that outlines the terms of the project such as responsibilities, design approvals, funding, and legal access (easement vs. license) without requiring a contested, formal hearing process.

 

All parties tentatively agreed this could be viable, but key legal issues remain, namely, whether easements or licenses are needed for the affected crossings, and whether a separate construction and maintenance agreement is required. Engineering design work is progressing on schedule, and the Village has shared plans with UP to ensure coordination. ICC staff emphasized the need to resolve outstanding issues (legal agreements and construction cost estimates) before choosing a procedural path. The parties agreed to hold an offline coordination meeting to work through details.

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It will be helpful if you could leave public comment here for the judge, UP, and Village to take into consideration as they conduct these hearings. Please feel free to share this post in its entirety with anyone seeking updates on the status, and wishes to leave a public comment. 

 

Village Correspondences

We have reached out to the Village for next steps, and when they are starting the contractor bidding process considering the additional risk they have added by approving two massive apartment complexes within feet of where Marin was struck.

Here is their response. 

 

The Village, through Deputy Village Manager Marie Hansen and its legal counsel Rebecca Bateman, explained that no pedestrian gates can be installed until the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) issues a formal order authorizing the work. Once that order is in place, and after IDOT permits and Union Pacific (UP) approvals are secured, the Village will update the project plans and specifications accordingly. These documents will then be issued for public bidding.

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The Village outlined its standard bid process, including public postings, a 30-day contractor review period, bid opening, review for accuracy, and eventual presentation to the Village Board for approval. While we inquired about engaging contractors early in anticipation of the ICC approval, the Village clarified that work on the new crossings cannot proceed until ICC approval is granted and UP plans are finalized. The Village emphasized that the awarded contractor will coordinate with UP, who is responsible for installing the gates and crossing elements, while the Village contractor handles related roadway and sidewalk work.

 

In summary, the Village is awaiting regulatory approvals before it can proceed to construction bids and shared that it will follow procedural steps required for public infrastructure construction projects. 

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As per the Village website's latest updates, UP will complete their plans by fall. We have asked them to expedite the Village's review and approval of the final plans thereafter so we are not delayed by the holidays.

 

Springfield and DC Help

State Representative Nabeela Syed and her office have been helping this year, and are keeping an eye on the hearings. They will reach out to ICC, IDOT and UP on our behalf if there are any concerns with the hearings. So far, all parties are being cooperative. Representative McLaughlin and State Senator Darby Hills have also offered to help. We are in touch with US Senator Tammy Duckworth's office as well on this issue to raise awareness if there are challenges in getting these gates installed. 

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Thank you for your support as we continue to work and fight for our community's safety. Have a great day.