ORDC Approves $705,994 for CUOH To Extend Siding
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Genesee & Wyoming
ZANESVILLE, Ohio - The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) has approved a $705,994 grant to Columbus & Ohio River Rail Road.
The grant will go toward extending an existing rail siding by an estimated 4,800 feet and add a crossover for increased operations. The project is estimated to cost more than $1.4 million in total. Columbus & Ohio River Rail Road (CUOH) provides services to communities along 243 miles of track and meets up with two other Genesee & Wyoming lines: Ohio Central Railroad and the Ohio Southern Railroad in Zanesville.
Currently, the Zanesville Yard sees quite a bit of traffic, and the yard is congested as a result. According to the release, there is no room for the current length of trains. Instead, trains have to be left on the mainline, “which is both inefficient and a safety concern.” By extending the siding by 4,800 feet to the existing 1,375-foot siding, this can relieve congestion and resolve “operational challenges.” Train cars can then be secured off the main line as CUOH is reportedly anticipating increased carloading in the future.
“The Columbus & Ohio River Rail Road is making this investment to enhance operations and improve safety. The new siding will help to serve new shippers in the area and aid in the reduction of rail congestion in the region. We are happy to support the continued success of Columbus & Ohio River Rail Road in eastern Ohio,” said Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director, Ohio Rail Development Commission.
Chad Boutet, PE, AVP, Engineering Grants for G&W National Region Railroads, said “With the support of ORDC, this project will increase track capacity in Zanesville to allow improved fluidity of rail traffic to more than ten employers in Southeast Ohio. These improvements will result in decreased train delay, a reduction in blocked crossings, and less locomotive idling.”
