Ohio commission OKs $1.9M in funding for 4 rail crossing projects

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) yesterday greenlit $1.9 million in federal and state funds for grade crossing safety improvements involving four railroads in Paulding, Fairfield, Wayne and Lucas counties. 

The Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railway will install lights and gates at the Cleveland Street crossing in the village of Antwerp, Paulding County. Federal funding of $466,880 will cover the cost of the work, which NDW must complete by Oct. 7, PUCO officials said in a press release. 

Kanawha River Railroad will install lights and gates at the State Route 256 and Main Street crossing in Fairfield County. Work must be completed by Oct. 7. Federal funding of $399,761 will cover the project's total cost. 

The Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway will install flashing lights and gates at the State Route 3 and Main Street crossing in Wayne County. Project work must be completed by Oct. 7. The total cost of the project is $374,310. Federal funds will pay $299,448 of the cost, with the railroad covering the project's remaining $74,862 in expenses. 

Ann Arbor Railroad will update the lights and gates and install cantilevers at the Summit Street crossing in Toledo, Lucas County. The railroad must complete work by Jan. 7, 2027. PUCO approved up to $500,000 in funding from the State Grade Crossing Protection Fund for the $659,366 project. The railroad will cover remaining project costs and maintenance expenses.