Circleville, Ohio (March 5, 2024) – The city of Circleville, in partnership with ODOT and the Ohio Rail Development Commission, is exploring the construction of a bridge over the Norfolk Southern rail lines to address a critical need: improving mobility and reducing traffic disruptions for everyone in the community, including motorists, pedestrians, and emergency responders.
Challenges and Impacts:
- Limited Access & Delays: Currently, the nearest railroad grade separations are miles away, creating limited access and significant delays when trains block crossings. This is further compounded by the presence of spur tracks leading to a grain mill, causing frequent train stoppages within the city limits.
- Emergency Response Concerns: The lack of crossings and frequent blockages significantly impact response times for police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS), as their stations are located north of the crossings. Detours are often not feasible, leaving them waiting for trains to pass before reaching emergencies.
Exploring Solutions:
- Public Meeting: A crucial open house public meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 5th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Heritage Hall, Pickaway County Fairgrounds (415 Lancaster Pike, Circleville, OH 43113).
- Four Potential Locations: The project is currently considering four potential bridge locations: Court Street, Pickaway Street, Washington Street, and Progress Parkway.
Community Engagement:
- Share Your Input: Attend the public meeting, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback to inform the decision-making process.
- Stay Informed: Access meeting materials and submit comments at http://www.structurepoint.com/circlevillerrgs.
- Accessibility: Interpretation, translation services, and reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Contact Hannah Salem at [email protected] or 740-833-8222 at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
Shape the Future:
This project holds the potential to significantly improve traffic flow, enhance emergency response capabilities, and ultimately benefit the entire Circleville community. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your voice heard and help shape the future of your city. Attend the public meeting and make a difference!
Additional Notes:
- The project is currently in the planning phase, and no final decisions have been made.
- A feasibility study will be completed in 2024, followed by another public meeting to present the findings.
- The specific date for the future public meeting is not yet available.
Together, we can build a safer, more accessible, and more efficient Circleville!
