Pickaway County, OH – March 2025 – Officials in Harrison Township and South Bloomfield, and Ashville are taking action to address critical emergency response delays caused by frequent train traffic on the Norfolk Southern (N&S) rail line. Leaders from Harrison Township, South Bloomfield Police, and the Northgate Alliance have announced plans for a new satellite safety services station west of the railroad tracks to improve response times and accommodate the region’s rapid growth.
Growing Community, Rising Emergency Calls
Harrison Township Fire/EMS currently serves 127 square miles, including the west side of Ashville, South Bloomfield, and parts of Jackson, Muhlenburg, and Walnut Townships. The department responds to approximately 3,000 calls annually, with 1,175 of those originating west of the tracks—an area home to 6,900 residents. With the recent announcement of the Anduril Arsenal 1 project and continued residential and commercial development, emergency service demands are expected to rise significantly over the next decade.
Train Traffic Delays Response Times
The Norfolk Southern rail line runs through the service area, frequently blocking major roadways, including State Routes 752 and 316, West Station, and Madison Avenue. The area sees 19 trains per day, seven of which are double-stacked containers that either slow down or stop near an intermodal facility, creating extended blockages lasting 30 minutes or more.
Currently, emergency responders must detour north or south to reach residents west of the tracks, adding at least nine minutes to response times. Harrison Township Fire/EMS officials stress that in life-threatening situations, these delays could mean the difference between life and death.
Proposed Solution: A New Satellite Safety Services Station
Officials are proposing the construction of a new safety services station west of the N&S tracks to eliminate train-related response delays and reduce response times by several minutes for thousands of residents.
- Timeline: The bid process will conclude in December 2025, with construction awarded by January 2026. The ribbon-cutting is planned for January 1, 2027.
- Staffing & Equipment: Fire/EMS will add 1–2 personnel per shift, while existing apparatus and equipment will be transferred at no additional cost. The South Bloomfield Police Department will relocate to a more central location, enhancing access to U.S. 23 and SR 316 without requiring additional staffing.
- Funding Request: A one-time $5 million allocation is being sought from the state’s operating budget or Ohio’s Grade Crossing Elimination Program to fund the design and construction of the new facility. The three entities are being asked to raise 20% of the total cost, split between the areas making the cost around 350,000 dollars. According to the South Bloomfield Mayor Harrison fire would also not have to increase staffing or add units to staff the station.
A Region on the Rise
South Bloomfield’s population has surged since 2020, with 458 new single-family homes, 300 apartments, and multiple commercial developments. Using conservative estimates, the village has added 1,835 residents since 2020, with another 1,979 expected from upcoming projects. By 2030, South Bloomfield is projected to reach city status with a population exceeding 5,961 residents.
The rapid development also includes a 394-acre sod farm under contract with a housing developer, plus additional large properties poised for future expansion.
Impact Beyond Dollars and Cents
Local officials emphasize that the true success of this project will be measured in minutes and seconds—not dollars. By eliminating rail-related response delays, the new station could save up to five minutes per emergency call, ensuring faster lifesaving interventions for residents and commuters west of the tracks.
The Northgate Alliance, Harrison Township Fire/EMS, and South Bloomfield officials are urging state legislators and stakeholders to support the funding request and prioritize public safety in Northern Pickaway County’s rapidly growing communities.
