PUCO issues 2008 Railroad Crossing Statistics Report

COLUMBUS, OHIO (May 18, 2009) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today released its annual Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Statistics Report. The report details the PUCO’s role in highway-rail grade crossing safety and provides current and historical crossing data.

“Ohio’s location as a crossroads state makes it the fifth leading state in transporting goods by rail,” PUCO Chairman Alan R. Schriber stated. “With more than 40 railroads operating on nearly 5,500 miles of track and across more than 6,500 public grade crossings, railroads contribute a great deal to Ohio’s life and economy.”

Being a national leader in railroad traffic brings an even greater responsibility to ensure safety at highway-rail grade crossings.  Since the 1980’s the PUCO has worked to improve safety at Ohio’s public highway-rail grade crossings through education and outreach, crossing inspections, local funding opportunities, and the installation of safety improvements at crossings across the state.

“Rail crossing safety is a top priority for the PUCO,” Chairman Schriber added. “Last year alone, the PUCO ordered a total of 87 crossing safety upgrades, including the installation of lights and gates, supplemental assistance funding, circuitry upgrades and closings.”

The Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Statistics Report is available online in the railroad section of www.PUCO.ohio.gov. The Ohio Railroad Information System Web site at http://gradecrossings.puco.ohio.gov contains a comprehensive database of highway-rail grade crossings in the state. Ohioans can also call the toll-free Ohio Rail Hotline, at (866) 814-RAIL (7245), to obtain answers to all their rail questions.

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