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Public Utilities Commission of Ohio media release.News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shana Eiselstein
614 | 466 7750

 

PUCO approves upgrade of warning devices for railroad crossings in Ashtabula and Cuyahoga Counties

COLUMBUS, OHIO (June 17, 2009) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) directing Norfolk Southern to upgrade grade crossings in Ashtabula and Cuyahoga counties.

Norfolk Southern will install flashing lights and roadway gates at the US Route 6 grade crossing (503-124J) in Ashtabula County. Norfolk Southern and Cleveland Commercial Railroad will install flashing lights and roadway gates at the County Road 55/McCracken Road grade crossing (524-232N) in Cuyahoga County.

Norfolk Southern must submit site plans and cost estimates for the Ashtabula County project to the PUCO by Sept. 15, 2009. Norfolk Southern and Cleveland Commercial Railroad must also submit site plans and cost estimates for the Cuyahoga County project to the PUCO by Sept. 15, 2009. Funding for these upgrades will be provided through federal funds. The railroads will be responsible for completing construction of the upgrades by June 17, 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 locations of the projects. Funding for these improvements will come from the State Grade Crossing Safety Fund, and will not exceed $5,000 at each project location.

The PUCO is responsible for evaluating Ohio’s public grade crossings to determine the need for installing active warning devices. In 2008, the PUCO played a part in the installation of lights and gates at 38 grade crossings throughout the state. Over the past two decades, the annual number of train-motor vehicle crashes in Ohio has consistently decreased, from 412 in 1988 to 82 in 2008.

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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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 hotline at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.

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The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
180 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Ted Strickland, Governor • Alan R. Schriber, Chairman
An Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider
(800) 686-PUCO (7826) - (800) 686-1570 (TTY-TDD)
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