News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shana Eiselstein
614 | 466 7750
COLUMBUS, OHIO (Feb. 5, 2009) – On Wednesday, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) directing Indiana & Ohio Railway (I&O) to install flashing lights and roadway gates at the County Road 79/Thackery Road grade crossing (258-740V) in Champaign County and at the W. Main Street grade crossing (525-235M) in the city of Mason, Warren County.
I&O must submit site plans and cost estimates for the projects to the PUCO by May 5, 2009. Funding for this upgrade will be provided through federal funds. I&O will be responsible for completing construction of the upgrade by Feb. 4, 2010.
To increase public safety during the construction of this upgrade, the PUCO will assist the local government with the cost of improvements such as rumble strips, illumination, improved signage or other safety enhancements at the project location. Funding for these improvements will come from the State Grade Crossing Safety Fund, and will not exceed $5,000.
The PUCO is responsible for evaluating Ohio’s public grade crossings to determine the need for installing active warning devices. 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 Web site at http://gradecrossings.puco.ohio.gov/.
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09-68-RR-FED