Ohio Approves $1M+ for Railway Safety Upgrades

Ohio invests $1.09M in grade crossing upgrades for three railways, enhancing safety with new warning systems and supporting regional freight infrastructure.

January 27, 2026 11:38 pm

🛑 Key Takeaways:

Ohio regulators approved federal funds for three short-line railways to install active warning systems at grade crossings.
The total funding allocated for the three projects is $1,091,134, covering 100% of the upgrade costs.
The investment targets specific safety risks on regional freight lines, reflecting a broader state and federal focus on improving rural transport infrastructure.

COLUMBUS, OH – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) on Jan. 22 approved $1,091,134 in federal funding for three grade crossing safety upgrades. The projects will be executed by Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway, Akron Barberton Cluster Railway, and Ashland Railway, with completion deadlines set between late 2026 and early 2027.

Project Detail	Wheeling & Lake Erie	Akron Barberton Cluster	Ashland Railway
Location	State Route 151 / Boyce Dr, Harrison County	North Chestnut St, Ravenna	East 9th St, Ashland County
Federal Funding	$329,788	$451,081	$310,265
Scope of Work	Install flashing lights & gates	Install flashing lights & gates	Install flashing lights & gates
Completion Deadline	Jan. 21, 2027	Oct. 21, 2026	Oct. 21, 2026
Approving Body	Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)
Total Investment	$1,091,134

Operational & Technical Details

The approved projects focus on deploying active warning systems at currently passive or under-equipped crossings. All three railways will install standard flashing lights and automated gates. These systems are designed to reduce collision risk between road vehicles and freight trains.

The funding covers all project costs, removing the capital expenditure burden from the short-line operators. The Akron Barberton Cluster Railway project in Ravenna received the largest single award at $451,081. The two projects for Akron Barberton Cluster and Ashland Railway share a completion deadline of Oct. 21, 2026.

Market Impact Analysis

This allocation targets short-line railroads, which are essential for regional freight logistics but often operate with more constrained capital budgets than Class I carriers. By using federal funds administered at the state level, PUCO is addressing critical safety points without impacting the operators’ finances. This model is vital for maintaining the safety and viability of the regional rail network.

The upgrades align with a broader push for enhanced transportation safety in Ohio. While this funding is specific to rail, it complements other initiatives like the $4.8 million federal award for the Coalition for Integrated Road User Safety (CIRUS) in Central Ohio, signaling a multi-modal state strategy to reduce traffic-related incidents, particularly in rural counties.

FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the total value of the approved funding?

The total federal funding approved by PUCO for the three projects is $1,091,134.

When are the expected completion dates?

The completion deadlines are October 21, 2026, for the Akron Barberton Cluster and Ashland Railway projects, and January 21, 2027, for the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway project.