Ohio panel OKs $1 million in grade-crossing upgrades

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) this week approved more than $1 million in safety upgrades at four rail crossings in Clinton, Franklin, Summit and Wayne counties.

Four railroads’ upcoming projects will be completed by July 10, 2025, PUCO officials said in a press release.

The Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY) will install flashing lights and gates with surface reconstruction at a Shawnee Trace Road grade crossing in Jefferson Township, Clinton County. That project will cost $470,479, with the Ohio Rail Development Commission funding $392,991 and the IORY covering $77,488.

Meanwhile, Norfolk Southern Railway will install flashing lights and gates at the New World Drive grade crossing in Columbus, Franklin County. NS will submit plans and estimates to the commission and ORDC by Nov. 7, PUCO officials said.

Also, CSX will install flashing lights as well as gates with cantilevers at the Bailey Road grade crossing in Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County. Federal funds will cover $482,740 to complete the upgrades.

And the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway will install gates and flashing lights at the C.R. 188 and Hackett Road grade crossing in Wayne County. Federal funds will pay $309,681 to complete those upgrades.