PUCO Approves 42 Rail Crossing Upgrades in 6 Counties
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Courtesy of PUCO
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved safety upgrades at 42 rail crossings in six counties.
At Georges Creek Road grade crossing in Gallia County, the Dexter Road grade crossing at Meigs County, and the Refugee Road grade crossing in Franklin County, Kanawha River Railroad (KNWA) will install LED lights. This is to take place by August 21, 2025. Additionally, at nine grade crossings in Athens County, 12 grade crossings in Perry County, and 17 grade crossings in Fairfield County, the railroad will install LED lights at these locations as well.
PUCO says it will fund a maximum $307,500 (or $7,500 per crossing) from the Grade crossing Protection Fund (GCPF). Any costs exceeding that amount will be left to KNWA.
Camp Chase Railroad (CCR) will upgrade the lights and gates in Franklin County at the Norton Road grade crossing by August 21, 2025. For this upgrade, PUCO will fund 85% of the costs, not exceeding $251,000. The railroad will “provide 15% of project and maintenance costs” as well as any costs that exceed the initial $251,000. The report states the project’s preliminary cost is $295,253.
As with previous rail crossing upgrades, PUCO says local government may seek additional funding to cover the cost of safety improvements during construction. These funds come from the GCPF and may not exceed $5,000 per project.
