COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has approved more than $1.4 million in safety upgrades for rail crossings in three Ohio counties.
CSX Transportation will install flashing lights and gates at the Harbor Drive grade crossing in Hamilton County by Aug. 5, 2026. Federal funds will pay $562,576 to complete the project.
Columbus & Ohio River Railroad Company will install flashing lights and gates at the Chestnut Street and St. Clairsville Road grade crossings in Tuscarawas County, and the Schumaker Road grade crossing in Coshocton County by Nov. 5, 2026. Federal funds will pay $873,981 to complete the projects.
To increase public safety during the construction of the project, the local government may seek funding from the PUCO to cover the cost of safety improvements, such as rumble strips, illumination, improved signage, or other enhancements at the project location. Funding for such improvements comes from the State Grade Crossing Safety Fund and may not exceed $5,000 per project.
The PUCO is responsible for evaluating Ohio’s public grade crossings to determine whether active warning devices are needed. Since the PUCO began implementing these evaluations, the annual number of train-motor vehicle crashes in Ohio has decreased significantly, from 356 in 1990 to 67 in 2024.
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