Ohio panel OKs grade-crossing upgrades for Class I, regional railroads

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) earlier this week approved construction authorization from the the Ohio Rail Development Commission directing Norfolk Southern Railway, Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway Co. and CSX to upgrade six rail crossings.

By July 17, 2020, NS will install lights and gates and expand the crossing surface at the Jefferson Street/State Route 103 grade crossing in the village of Bluffton, Ohio. NS also will install flashing lights, bells, sidelights and curbing at the Penn Street/Township Road 1383 crossing in Wells Township, PUCO officials said in a press release.

NS will also install lights and gates at the Fourteenth Street and Spring Lane crossings in Portsmouth. This work must be completed by Jan. 17, 2021, PUCO officials said.

Meanwhile, by April 17, 2020, Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway will install cantilevered lights and gates at the Kibler Street/State Route 602 crossing in the village of New Washington. CSX will install lights, gates, sidelights and cantilevers at the Front Street crossing in Hamilton.

Federal funding will be provided for the grade-crossing projects.

To increase public safety during the construction of the projects, local governments may seek funding from the PUCO to cover the cost of rumble strips, illumination, improved signage or other enhancements at the projects' locations. The State Grade Crossing Safety Fund provides those dollars.