MANSFIELD – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved safety upgrades on Wednesday that will impact four Ohio rail crossings including one in Richland County.
Ashland Railway, Inc. (ASRY) will install circuitry upgrades at the West Longview Avenue grade crossing in Mansfield. The work is to be completed by Feb. 7, 2025.
The cost estimates for the project total $154,545. The PUCO will pay $140,000 from the State Grade Crossing Protection Fund.
Ashland Railway will pay for any costs exceeding $140,000.
Norfolk Southern Railway (NSR) will install flashing lights and cantilever at the Paine Avenue grade crossing as well as flashing lights and gates at the York Street grade crossing in Toledo. Work is to be completed by Feb. 7, 2025.
NSR will install flashing lights and gates at the State Line Road/T.R. 1 grade crossing in St. Joseph Township, in Williams County Ohio.
LED lights will also be installed at the State Route 53 grade crossing in Seneca County by Feb. 7, 2025.
NSR will submit cost estimates to the PUCO’s Rail Division by May 14, 2024.
To increase public safety during the construction of the project, local governments may seek funding from the PUCO for the cost of safety improvements such as rumble strips, illumination, improved signage or other enhancements at the project location.
Funding for such improvements comes from the State Grade Crossing Safety Fund and may not exceed $5,000 per project.
The PUCO is responsible for evaluating Ohio’s public grade crossings to determine the need for installing active warning devices.
Since the PUCO began implementing these evaluations, the annual number of train-motor vehicle crashes in Ohio has decreased significantly, from 356 in 1990 to 61 in 2022.
The Ohio Rail Hotline, at 866-814-RAIL (7245), provides Ohioans with a toll-free resource for all railroad crossing questions.
For more information regarding these crossings, access the Ohio railroad information system website at gradecrossings.puco.ohio.gov.
A copy of today’s Commission order with a list of the crossings receiving upgrades is available on the PUCO’s website at www.PUCO.ohio.gov.
Click on the link to Docketing Information System and enter the case numbers 24-63-RR-STP, 24-52-RR-FED, 24-53-RR-FED, 24-56-RR-FED and 24-57-RR-FED.
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service.
The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices.
Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.
For additional information, contact: Matt Schilling 614-466-7750