Ohio panel OKs grade crossing upgrades along NS, R. J. Corman lines

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) last week approved construction authorization for grade crossing improvements in Holmes and Mercer counties.

In Holmes County, Norfolk Southern Railway will install new lights and gates at the Market Street/State Route 226 crossing. Meanwhile, R. J. Corman Railroad Group will upgrade lights and gates at the Staeger Road/County Road 145 crossing in Mercer County.

R.J Corman also will install a new crossing surface, PUCO officials said in a press release.

The crossing improvement projects are to be completed by September 2018. Federal funding for the projects was provided through the Ohio Rail Development Commission.

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