PUCO approves upgrade of five rail crossings across Ohio

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved construction authorization for the installation of flashing lights and gates at five grade crossings in Crawford, Cuyahoga, Logan and Seneca counties.

The upgrades will be made as follows:

• CSX will install flashing lights and gates at the Township Road 33 (538-715L) and Township Road 115 (518-369U) grade crossings in Logan County.

• Norfolk Southern will install flashing lights and gates at the Township Road 26/Orr Road (481-582H) grade crossing in Crawford County and the County Road 24 (481-621W) grade crossing in Seneca County.

The railroads will be responsible for completing construction of these upgrades by March 13, 2013. Funding for the upgrades will be provided by federal funds.Additionally, CSX will install flashing lights and gates at the Holland Road (141-936M) grade crossing in Cuyahoga County. Funding for this upgrade will be shared among PUCO, the railroad, the Ohio Rail Development Commission and the city of Brook Park. CSX will be responsible for completing construction of this upgrade by June 13, 2013.

To increase public safety during the construction of the projects, the PUCO will assist the local governments 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.