PUCO approves funds to upgrade over 100 crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) last week approved $1.17 million in safety improvement funds for more than 100 grade crossings.

The Ohio State Grade Crossing Protection Fund provides the money.

Among the projects:

• the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway Co. will install LED lights at crossings in Belmont, Huron, Jefferson, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties. PUCO will fund $7,500 for each crossing for a total of $517,500;

• Cincinnati East Terminal Railway will install LED lights at crossings in Adams, Brown, Clermont and Hamilton counties. PUCO will pay $7,500 for each crossing for a total of $247,500; and

• Akron Barberton Cluster Railway will install flashing lights and gates at the Diamond and Oakwood street crossings in Ravenna. PUCO will pay up to $352,000 to complete the projects; the total cost is $453,733.

The railroads performing the work are responsible for remaining costs, PUCO officials said in a press release. All work must be completed by April 5, 2024.