Ohio OKs upgrades at CSX, Wheeling & Lake Erie rail crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) on Jan. 22 approved safety upgrades at two grade crossings in Butler and Cuyahoga counties.

CSX will be responsible for installing lights and gates, with a cantilever in the northwest corner, curbing and sidewalk reconnection for all approaches at the Kenworth Avenue crossing in Hamilton in Butler County by Oct. 22. Federal funding of $463,810 will cover the cost to complete the project.

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Co. will install flashing lights and gates at the C.R. 108/Richmond Road crossing in Cuyahoga County by Oct. 22. Federal funding of $322,454 will be used to complete the project.

Local governments may seek funding from the PUCO for additional safety improvements such as rumble strips, illumination and signage. Funding for these additional safety projects comes from the State Grade Crossing Safety Fund and may not exceed $5,000 per project.