PUCO authorizes closure of Ulsh Road railroad grade crossing in Marion County

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Oct. 28, 2009) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today granted a petition from CSX Transportation, Inc. to close the County Road 205/Ulsh Road (262-061N) railroad grade crossing in Claridon Township, Marion County.

The Commission balanced the concerns raised by the residents of Claridon Township, the evidence presented by CSX along with the crossing profile, safety ranking, number and speed of trains and the angle of the crossing in reaching their decision to close the crossing.

The Ulsh Road crossing is currently ranked as the 14^th most dangerous crossing out of over 6,100 grade crossings in Ohio. The daily traffic count at the crossing is 137 vehicles per day and the speed of those vehicles is 55 mph. The train count is 19 trains per day at speeds of 60 mph. The Commission found that the vehicle and train counts and speeds, the track grade, crossing profile and severe crossing angle all create hazardous conditions that pose unsafe conditions for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles that travel over the crossing.

The State Route 98 and Nesbitt Road crossings will serve as alternates to the Ulsh Road crossing. Both crossings are equipped with flashing lights and roadway gates, have lower crossing profiles and less severe crossing angles, making them safer grade crossing alternatives.

A copy of today’s Commission opinion and order is available at www.PUCO.ohio.gov. Click on the link to the Docketing Information System (DIS) and enter the case number 09-125-RR-UNC.

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09-125-RR-UNC