Ohio panel OKs CSX grade crossing projects

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) yesterday authorized CSX to upgrade safety devices at eight rail crossings in Marion.

CSX will install new flashing lights and roadway gates at the following locations: Main Street/State Route 4 (two crossings); North State Street (two crossings); Oak Street (two crossings); Prospect Street North; and Prospect Street South.

CSX must complete the projects by April 4, 2019, according to a PUCO press release.

Federal funding will account for 75 percent of the project costs; CSX will pay for the remainder.

Since PUCO began evaluating the state's public grade crossings to determine the need for active warning devices, the annual number of train-motor vehicle crashes in Ohio have fallen from 356 in 1990 to 68 in 2017.