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The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) recently authorized Norfolk Southern Corp. to begin engineering work on a grade crossing improvement project, which will be federally funded. In conjunction with the city of Springfield, the commission and NS plan to upgrade 18 crossings and close five crossings in the town.

The parties will install four-quadrant gates — sets of lights and gates designed to completely block motorists from entering a crossing when activated — at four crossings, and lights and gates featuring constant warning devices at 14 crossings.

The project is part of an upgrade to a Columbus-to-Cincinnati rail corridor — known as the CJ Line — which ORDC and NS are funding. The crossing improvements will help Springfield obtain a quiet zone designation from the Federal Railroad Administration, ORDC said.

“This project will not only greatly improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and train crews, but improve quality of life by reducing noise from train horns, especially in the downtown area,” said acting ORDC Executive Director Matt Dietrich in a prepared statement.