PUCO

Share This Page:

 

PUCO approves upgrade of rail crossing in Stark County

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Dec. 14, 2011) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today approved authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) directing RJ Corman Railroad Company to install flashing lights and gates at the Justus Avenue/County Road 307A (142-576V) grade crossing in Beach City, Stark County.

Funding for the upgrade will be provided through federal funds. The railroad will be responsible for completing construction of the upgrade by Sept. 14, 2012.

To increase public safety during the construction of the project, 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 the improvement 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. In 2010, the PUCO played a part in the installation of lights and gates at 72 grade crossings throughout the state. Over the past decade, the annual number of train-motor vehicle crashes in Ohio has decreased significantly, from 123 in 2001 to 64 in 20010.

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/.

-30-

11-5679-RR-FED

 

 

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.

Subscribe and Unsubscribe to the PUCO Media Release e-mail service