PUCO approves upgrade of two rail crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has received approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing Norfolk Southern to upgrade existing flashing lights and roadway gates at the Lewis Road and the Columbia Road/State Route 252 grade crossings located in the city of Olmsted Falls, Cuyahoga County. NS must submit site plans and cost estimates for the projects to the PUCO by April 12, 2011. Funding for these upgrades will be provided by federal funds. NS will be responsible for completing construction of the upgrades by Jan. 12, 2012. To increase public safety during the construction of the projects, the PUCO will assist the local government with the cost of improvements such as rumble strips, illumination, improved signage or other safety enhancements at the project location. Funding for the improvements will come from the State Grade Crossing Safety Fund, and will not exceed $5,000. The PUCO is responsible for evaluating Ohio’s public grade crossings to determine the need for installing active warning devices. In 2010, the PUCO played a part in the installation of lights and gates at 72 grade crossings throughout the state. Over the past two decades, the annual number of train-motor vehicle crashes in Ohio has decreased significantly, from 412 in 1988 to 55 in 2009.