COLUMBUS, OH – On September 19, 2024, the Ohio Rail Development Commission approved three new projects as part of the Ohio Grade Crossing Elimination Program, a $100 million initiative launched by Governor Mike DeWine. This program aims to help Ohio communities secure federal funding for grade crossing elimination through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program.
In addition to a previously approved project in January, the Rail Commission is now sponsoring a total of four applications for submission to the federal RCE Program. The projects slated for funding include:
- City of Circleville: South Court Street
- City of North Ridgeville: Race Road
- Delaware County: East Orange Road
- City of Hudson: Hines Hill Road
Each project aims to eliminate at least one at-grade crossing and construct a grade separation, enhancing safety for emergency services and school bus routes, while improving overall mobility for community members.
Scott Corbitt, Chair of the Ohio Rail Development Commission, noted, “We have already approved over $25 million in funding from the Ohio Grade Crossing Elimination Program. Our staff has been diligently working on these grant applications and we hope to receive feedback from the Federal Railroad Administration by the end of the year. If successful, Ohio could secure nearly $107 million in federal funding for five grade separations across the state.”
Corbitt added that the Commission is not resting on its laurels, as it is actively pursuing an additional 13 locations for potential future federal grants. He emphasized that grade separations are crucial for eliminating the risk of train-automobile collisions.
