Ohio panel OKs rail-crossing projects

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) last week approved the upgrade of a rail crossing in Wayne County and the modification of a roadway and closure of three crossings in Defiance County.

In Wayne County, the commission approved the installation of mast-mounted flashing lights and roadway gates at the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad crossing at Goudy Road/Township Road 334.

That project is slated for completion by Aug. 9, 2017. Federal funding is being provided through the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC), according to a PUCO press release.

In Defiance County, the PUCO modified and approved an agreement between commission staff, CSX, Defiance County and Delaware Township to close public grade crossings at Ashwood, Tittle Road and Jacobs Trail roads in exchange for  modifications that move the roadways off railroad track.

Funding for that project will be shared among the PUCO, CSX, county and township, commission officials said.