Ohio commission OKs crossing upgrades in five counties

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) late last month approved construction authorization for grade crossing improvements in Ashland, Carroll, Clinton, Franklin and Hamilton counties.

For the upgrades to the Township Road 1101 crossing in Ashland County, CSX will install lights and gates. The Class I also will install updated circuitry and LED lights at the Kinnear Road crossing in Franklin County, PUCO officials said in a press release.

In addition, Ohio-Rail Corp. will install lights and gates at two crossings in Carroll County, while Indiana & Ohio Railway will do the same at crossings in Clinton and Hamilton counties.

The CSX-led Kinnear Road project will be completed by January 2018, but the remaining projects will wrap up by October. Federal funding for these projects is provided through the Ohio Rail Development Commission.

Local governments may seek funding from PUCO for the cost of safety improvements such as rumble strips, improved signage or other enhancement, PUCO officials said.

The commission is responsible for evaluating Ohio's public grade crossings to determine the need for active warning devices.