UP to bolster Missouri line; CSX and NS to upgrade Ohio crossings

Union Pacific Railroad plans to spend more than $20 million to upgrade a line between Chester and Scott City, Mo.

The project, which began May 31 and is slated for completion by early November, involves the replacement of 39,400 ties and a half mile of rail in various curves. Crews also will install 23 miles of new rail and 11,100 tons of ballast, and renew surfaces at 62 grade crossings.

The project is one of nearly 1,500 that UP plans to complete this year across its 32,000-mile network to help improve operating efficiency, enhance safety and reduce motorists' wait times at crossings.

Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) authorized Norfolk Southern Railway and CSX Transportation to upgrade four grade crossings.

NS will install mast-mounted flashing lights and roadway gates at the Malcolm Road/Township Road 96 crossing in Crawford County. In addition, the Class I will relocate flasher-gate mechanisms and replace existing 16-foot gate arms with 22-foot arms at the Park Avenue crossing in Eaton. The railroad must complete all work by March 5, 2014.

CSX will install mast-mounted flashing lights and roadway gates at the Younker Road/Township Road crossing in Darke County. That work also must be done by March 5, 2014.

In addition, CSX will be responsible for installing active crossing warning devices at the Buffham Road crossing in Medina County by June 5, 2014. Funding for the upgrade will be shared by PUCO, the railroad, county, township and Ohio Rail Development Commission.