Subject Index Railroads

The Illinois Commerce Commission (the commission) amended regulations that require railroad employers to sufficiently protect the health and wellness of their employees, in an effort to further improve the safety and working conditions for railroad employees throughout the state. 

Reflecting the continuing importance of rail travel and the concern over the aging railways in the state, the Illinois General Assembly has passed the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact Act (Act) in an effort to work in conjunction with other Midwestern states in the hope of improving and developing railway transportation throughout the region.

In an effort to increase safety at railroad crossings, Section 11-1201.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code was amended, and section 11-1201.5 was added. 625 ILCS 5/11-1201.1 and 1201.5.

Due to increasing security concerns regarding public transportation after Sept. 11, 2001, section 18c-7503 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/18c-7503, has been amended to provide for terminal security on railroad property by adding section 2.5 and amending subsection 3.

On March 10, 2006, the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, answered two certified questions posed by the Circuit Court of Cook County, regarding the liability of a railroad company to a trespasser. 

The Illinois Commerce Commission (Commission) recently adopted 92 Ill Adm Code 1546, effective February 15, 2005. This part requires that rail carriers provide walkways for railway workers.

Effective immediately, when the Illinois Commerce Commission orders the installation of luminous flashing signal or crossing gate devices at a particular grade crossing.

On December 22, 1999, the Second District Appellate Court overruled the summary judgment granted to the defendants by the circuit court of McHenry County.

On October 8, 1998, the Seventh Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's holding that plaintiff, Charles Reid, was not a permissive user of the railway tracks owned by the defendant, Norfolk & Western Railway Company (N & W).