Ohio, Illinois OK several rail crossing safety projects

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) on Oct. 15 approved over $4.3 million in safety improvements for grade crossings in four counties.

The Chicago Fort Wayne and Eastern Railroad (CFE) will complete the upgrades with federal funding. Work is to be completed by July 15, 2026, PUCO officials said in a press release.

In Allen County, CFE will install flashing lights with surface reconstruction at the Center Street crossing, flashing lights, gates and an ADA-compliant sidewalk on the west side of the North West Street crossing, and flashing lights and gates at both North Elizabeth Street and North Pine Street crossings. Federal funds will cover the $2 million cost of the projects.

CFE also will install flashing lights, gates and a new surface at a crossing in Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, and install flashing lights and gates at a  crossing in Hardin County. Federal funding of $1.2 million will cover project costs, PUCO officials said.

The Columbus and Ohio River Railroad Co. (CUOH) will install flashing lights, gates and a new surface at a  crossing in Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas County; and flashing lights and gates at two crossings in Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas County. Federal funds up to $1.1 million will cover the cost of the upgrades, PUCO officials said. Projects must be completed by Oct. 15, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on Oct. 16 approved financing from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to install flashing lights with gates at a crossing near Grant Park in Kankakee County. The project also includes improvements to the approach and surface widening, ICC officials said in a press release.

The total cost of signal design and construction is $701,756. The GCPR will cover 95% up to $666,668. Union Pacific Railroad will pay the remaining 5% of the cost, as well as all future maintenance. All work is to be completed by April 2027, ICC officials said.