COLUMBUS — On Sept. 30 the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) authorized construction of a project located on SR 4 in the village of Chatfield in Crawford County.
This railroad safety project, at the north end of the village, involves the installation of flashing lights and gates. The project, in partnership with Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway, is expected to be completed within 12 months.
This railroad safety project is being funded by the ORDC using Federal Highway Safety funds and is a result of a citizen complaint which prompted a review of the crossing’s warning devices. That review was performed at the project site and it was determined that the current warning devices needed to be upgraded to automatic flashing lights and roadway gates.
“We welcome input from the public to help us identify safety concerns at railroad crossings,” said Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the ORDC. “Safety improvements at crossings are central to ORDC’s overall mission.”
The ORDC funds railroad-highway grade crossing projects to improve safety for the traveling public. In addition, ORDC assists Ohio companies and communities in creating and retaining jobs by preserving rail service to existing shippers and providing rail service to new customers.
Please remember, when around railroad tracks always expect a train. Rail lines in Ohio are private property and trespassing is both strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous.
