Ohio panel OKs upgrades for eight grade crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) late last week approved the installation of flashing lights and gates at eight grade crossings in locations across the state.

The crossings will be upgraded in Harrison, Jefferson, Licking, Lorain, Medina, Muskingum, Seneca and Wayne counties, according to a PUCO press release.

Ohio Central Railroad (OHCR) and Norfolk Southern Railway will perform upgrades in Muskingum and Seneca counties; Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway Co. will perform upgrades in Lorain and Wayne counties, and upgrade existing lights and gates in Harrison and Jefferson counties; the city of Medina will perform upgrades at the State Road grade crossing in Medina County; and Columbus and Ohio River Rail Road Co. will upgrade the Church Street crossing in Utica, Licking County.

The projects in Lorain, Medina, Muskingum, Seneca and Wayne counties are slated for completion by Jan. 14, 2017. Federal funding for those projects is provided through the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC).

The work in Harrison, Jefferson and Licking counties is expected to be completed by April 14, 2017. Funding for those projects will be shared among PUCO, the railroads and ORDC.