Ohio commission approves safety improvements at 2 crossings

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) on Sept. 30 approved the use of $782,360 in federal funds and $14,360 in state funds for safety upgrades at grade crossings in two Ohio counties.

Norfolk Southern Railway will install lights, gates and cantilevers at Highway 24/Detroit Avenue in Toledo, Lucas County. Work is to be completed by June 30, 2027. Federal funding will cover the cost of the project. 

At the Finefrock Road grade crossing in Massilon, Stark County, Republic Short Line (RSL) will install lights and a new crossing bell. Work is to be completed by Sept. 30, 2027. PUCO will provide $14,970 from the State Grade Crossing Protection Fund for the project; RSL will pay any additional project costs as well as maintenance expenses, PUCO officials said in a press release.

Local governments in the jurisdictions where the crossing projects are taking place can seek funding from PUCO for additional crossing improvements, such as rumble strips, illumination and improved signage at the project locations. That funding comes from the State Grade Crossing Safety Fund and may not exceed $5,000 per project, PUCO officials said.