ORDC Approves Eight Projects
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
ORDC
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) approved eight projects with more than $81 million, two of which will be sponsored by the Rail Commission for FRA grants.
The projects range from grade crossing eliminations to bridge rehabilitations, according to the release. Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the Ohio Rail Development Commission, said, “The projects approved by the Rail Commission each represent a significant commitment by these companies and communities to improve rail safety and enhance economic development within the state. Safe and efficient rail operations within Ohio are a critical component of our mission. These projects also illustrate just how important rail is to our economy. We are pleased to help them continue to grow and thrive in Ohio.”
Ashland Railway: $237,000 was approved to rehabilitate four miles of track. The first phase of the project seeks to restore track conditions before heading into the second and third phases. The total cost of the project is $475,000.
Cincinnati Eastern Railroad: $300,000 was approved for a bridge rehabilitation located SR132 and 222 in Clermont County. Crews will replace open deck timber ties. The total cost of the project is an estimated $600,000.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: A $900,000 loan was approved, allowing the railroad to reposer two locomotives with Tier 4 all-electric engines. This will reduce emissions in the area and lead to lower maintenance costs. The project total is estimated at $3.5 million.
Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority: $800,000 in grant funding was approved that will go toward expanding trainload capacity at Eastpointe Business Park. Crews will construct two new trainload tracks, improve drainage, and relocate and resurface the existing track. The current yard is at full capacity, and the total project cost is $2.8 million.
Washington Penn Plastic: $600,000 in grant funding will go toward rehabilitating 4,000 feet of track on an industrial spur. Crews will upgrade the rail to “safely accommodate modern railroad equipment” and improve two crossings. The project is estimated to cost $3 million.
Tectum Inc – Armstrong World Industries: The company was approved for $100,000 in grant funding to allow crews to rehabilitate two rail spurs at its Newark facility. The project will create 12 new jobs and keep its 132 existing jobs. 55 carloads of rail traffic will be generated as a “condition of the grant.” The project cost is estimated at $2 million.
Columbiana County/City of Salem: $7.7 million from the Ohio Grade Crossing Elimination Program was approved to replace a crossing at Lincoln Avenue with a grade separation, according to the release. The Rail Commission will sponsor the FRA grant application. Two Amtrak trains and more than 40 Norfolk Southern trains traverse the crossing daily. The total cost of the project is $27 million.
Butler County Transportation Improvement District/City of Fairfield: $7.5 million was approved from the Ohio Grade Crossing Elimination Program that will replace an at-grade crossing in Fairfield with a grade separation. Previously, the City of Fairfield secured a planning grant from the FRA for the project. The Rail Commission says it will sponsor the federal grant for an upcoming application. The project includes closing Gilmore Avenue, thus improving fluidity for CSX and Amtrak trains, and is estimated to cost $42 million.
