February 21, 1999
County upgrades railroads
By Malinda Ruble
Staff Writer
Railroad upgrades are continuing to happen across the county and the county commissioners couldn't be happier.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio ordered a major series of grade crossing safety upgrades to four separate railroad corridors.
In Seneca County, improvements are to be made at Township Road 88 near Attica and Township Road 104, State Route 4 and Township Road 178 in Bellevue.
The upgrades, which will cost a total of $8.2 million, will include the installation of flashing lights and gates at the crossings.
''This is the largest set of grade crossing improvements ever ordered by the Commission. These upgrades are an essential component of the state's emphasis on safety with regard to the Conrail purchase,'' said PUCO Chairman Craig Glazer.
Rail traffic along Norfolk Southern's lines is expected to increase as a result of the Conrail acquisition.
''Hopefully, when it is completed, the crossings will be brought up to grade so when a vehicle goes across, it will be flat instead of those big humps. And the railroad has been putting lights and signals up and it's bound to help as long as people observe it,'' said Commissioner Kenny Estep.
''In Seneca County, we've had different groups and committees looking into railroad safety. Each crossing upgrade brings a sigh of relief because it means a saved life,'' added Commissioner Janet Dell.
The improvements along the Columbus-Bellevue corridor are expected to be completed by Aug. 22, 2000.