Ohio commission approves upgrades at 5 NS rail crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) on July 22 approved funding for safety upgrades at Norfolk Southern Railway grade crossings in five Ohio counties.

The upgrades call for installation of flashing lights and gates at the following locations: 

• County Road 2 and Fostoria Road in Ottawa County; 15th Street in Mahoning County. Work on these projects is ordered to be completed by Oct. 22, 2027.
• Etna Road in Cuyahoga County; and Chestnut Street in Columbiana County. Work on these projects is ordered to be completed by Jan. 22, 2028.
• Phillips Avenue in Lucas County. Work on this project is ordered to be completed by April 22, 2028.

NS will submit site plans and cost estimates to the PUCO Rail Division and Ohio Rail Development prior to construction, PUCO officials said in a press release.

Federal funds will pay for the upgrade projects; local governments may seek funding from the PUCO for additional safety improvements, including rumble strips, illumination and improved signage at the project locations.