PUCO OKs safety upgrades at 42 rail crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved safety upgrades at 42 grade crossings in Athens, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Meigs and Perry counties.

Kanawha River Railroad (KNWA) will install LED lights at the Georges Creek Road crossing in Gallia County, Dexter Road crossing in Meigs County and Refugee Road crossing in Franklin County.

KNWA will also install LED lights at nine crossings in Athens County, 12 crossings in Perry County and 17 crossings in Fairfield County. All work is expected to be completed by Aug. 21, 2025, according to a PUCO press release.

The PUCO will provide a maximum total of $307,500 — $7,500 per crossing — from the State Grade Crossing Protection Fund to cover the commission’s cost of the project. KNWA will pay for any costs exceeding $7,500 per crossing.

In addition, Camp Chase Railroad (CCR) will upgrade lights and gates at the Norton Road crossing in Franklin County, by Aug. 21, 2025.

The PUCO will provide 85% of the project cost — a maximum total of $251,000 — from the State Grade Crossing Protection Fund. CCR will cover 15% of project and maintenance costs, and 100% of costs exceeding $251,000. The preliminary cost of the project is $295,253.