The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission, directing CSX, Norfolk Southern and Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway to install flashing lights and gates at grade crossings in Delaware, Jefferson and Lorain counties, respectively.

Upgrades will be installed as follows:
• CSX will install lights and gates at the Harris Road/Township Road 87 (518-290V) grade crossing in Brown Township, Delaware County;
• NS will install lights and gates at the Spring Avenue/County Road 47 (503-166V) grade crossing in the city of Toronto, Jefferson County;
• W&LE will install lights and gates at the Fairgrounds Street/Township Road 1149 (473-590E) grade crossing in Wellington Township, Lorain County.
Funding for the upgrades will be provided through federal funds. The railroads will be responsible for completing construction of the upgrades by Oct. 18, 2012.

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 improvement will come from the State Grade Crossing Safety Fund and will not exceed $5,000 per project.