PUCO Approves Over $1M in Rail Crossing Upgrades
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Courtesy of PUCO
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved safety upgrades in Clinton, Franklin, Summit, and Wayne counties.
Clinton County
At the Shawnee Trace Road/T.R. 263 grade crossing, Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY) will install flashing lights and gates by July 10, 2025. Out of the total cost of $470,479, Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) will pay $392,991, and IORY will pay $77,488.
Franklin County
At the New World Drive grade crossing, Norfolk Southern will install flashing lights and gates by July 10, 2025. NS will submit the plans and estimates to both PUCO and ORDC by November 7, 2024.
Summit County
At the Bailey Road grade crossing in Cuyahoga Falls, CSX will install flashing lights and gates with cantilevers by July 10, 2025. Federal funds will cover the $482,740 costs to upgrade.
Wayne County
At the C.R. 188/Hackett Road grade crossing, Wheeling & lake Erie Railway (WLE) will install flashing lights and gates by July 10, 2025. Similar to the project in Summit County, federal funds will be used to pay the total cost of $309,681.
During these projects, local governments can seek funding from PUCO to cover the cost of safety improvements. These can include improved signage and rumble strips. The funds will from the State Grade Crossing Safety Fund and will not exceed $5,000 per project.
