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PUCO approves upgrade of rail crossing in Stark County

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Jan. 23, 2012) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today approved authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) directing Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (W&LE) to install flashing lights and gates at the Marietta Avenue SE/Township Road 512 (472-700J) grade crossing in Canton Township, Stark County.

Funding for the upgrades will be provided through federal funds. The railroads will be responsible for completing construction of the upgrades by Oct. 23, 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 per project.

The PUCO is responsible for evaluating Ohio’s public grade crossings to determine the need for installing active warning devices. Over the past decade, the annual number of train-motor vehicle crashes in Ohio has decreased significantly, from 123 in 2001 to 64 in 2010.

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 website 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 Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.

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