Ohio panel OKs grade-crossing projects in Muskingum, Warren counties

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio last week approved safety upgrades to grade crossings in Muskingum and Warren counties.

Muskingum County Emergency Management Agency, Columbus & Ohio River Railroad Co., Ohio Southern Railroad Inc. and Ohio Central Railroad Inc. will install railroad interconnect and supervisory control and data acquisition systems at at five locations in Muskingum County by Aug. 6, 2026, PUCO officials said in a press release.

The total cost of the Muskingum County projects is $101,775. The commission will pay for 100% of the installation costs using the state's Grade Crossing Protection Fund.

Separately, Norfolk Southern Railway will install traffic preemption systems at two crossings in Franklin in Warren County, by May 6, 2026. Federal funding will cover $633,314 of the project's cost.