Closing Crossings in Macomb

Macomb, IL – Two more rail crossings will be closed in Macomb by the end of the week. The city council has agreed to put temporary barriers at the Campbell and Madison Street crossings. The crossing at Clay Street is already shut down. The city wanted the temporary barriers in place before Western's fall semester begins next month. City Administrator Mike Hays says Macomb hopes to install permanent barriers by October. He says "We want to make it aesthetically pleasing. We don't want it to look like Checkpoint Charlie." The city will receive $200,000 from the Illinois Commerce Commission to offset the cost of the permanent barriers. It will also get about $150,000 from Burlington Northern Santa Fe in exchange for closing the crossings.