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OHIO

RAILROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENT P LAN

FY 2011 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

M ISSION O R G O A L S T A T E M E N T ............................................................. 3 

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y ......................................................................... 4 

P R O G R A M D E S C R I P T I O N ..................................................................... 6 

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Program Overview ............................................................................................ 6 

Ohio Rail Development Commission Program Overview ....................................................................................... 12 

S T A T E S A F E T Y P R O G R A M O B J E C T I V E 1 .............................................. 16 

S T A T E S A F E T Y P R O G R A M O B J E C T I V E 2 .............................................. 17 

S T A T E S A F E T Y P R O G R A M O B J E C T I V E 3 .............................................. 18 

S T A T E S A F E T Y P R O G R A M O B J E C T I V E 4 .............................................. 20 

S T A T E S A F E T Y P R O G R A M O B J E C T I V E 5 .............................................. 21 

S T A T E S A F E T Y P R O G R A M O B J E C T I V E 6 .............................................. 23 

S T A T E I N S P E C T I O N A N D G R A N T P R O G R A M S......................................... 24 

Conduct Hazardous Materials Inspections ............................................................................................................... 24 

Conduct Motive Power and Equipment Inspections ............................................................................................... 25 

Conduct Public Operating Practices Inspections .................................................................................................... 26 

Conduct Signal and Train Control Inspections ........................................................................................................ 27 

Conduct Track Inspections ...................................................................................................................................... 28 

Conduct Grade Crossing Inspections .................................................................................................................... 29 

S T A T E P R O G R A M C H A L L E N G ES .......................................................... 30 

S T A T E P R O G R A M C ONTACTS .............................................................. 31 

 
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MISSION OR GOAL STATEMENT

The overall goal of the State is to: 

(1) Reduce the number and rate of crashes, incidents, injuries, and fatalities involving trains; 

(2) Improve the consistency and effectiveness of enforcement and compliance programs; 

(3) Improve the identification of high-risk highway-rail grade crossings; 

(4) Strengthen enforcement and other methods to increase grade crossing safety; 

(5) Prevent railroad trespasser accidents, incidents, injuries, and fatalities; and; 

(6) Improve the safety of railroad bridges, tunnels, and related infrastructure to prevent 

accidents, incidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by catastrophic failures and other bridge 

and tunnel failures. 
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EXECUTIVE S UMMARY

Program Evaluation Summary: 

Ohio is a crossroads state with an extensive transportation infrastructure that features a dense network of 

railroads. There are over 5,318 miles of active mainline rail in the state as well as 121,241 miles of 

roadway. Consequently, there are a large number of public crossings. As of 2010 there were 

approximately 5,900 public crossing of which 53% (3,127) have lights and gates, 35% (2,065) have 

passive systems such as crossbucks and 12% (708) have flashing lights. The number of crossings with 

gates and lights has continued to increase every year while at the same time the total number of crossing 

has decreased. In addition, the state also features approximately 2,257 grade separations. 

Item 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 

Crossings 5,900 6,000 6,100 6,100 6,100 6,100 

Lights/Gates 53% 51% 50% 49% 48% 47% 

Crossbucks 35% 36% 37% 38% 38% 39% 

Flashers 12% 13% 13% 13% 14% 14% 

In addition to the physical infrastructure in the state, Ohio ranks 6th in the nation with 36 freight railroad 

companies operating in the state. This equates to Ohio ranking 3rd in the nation with 5,318 rail miles, including 

two Class 1 Railroads and one Regional Railroad. Rail carriers also transport a wide variety of items including 

everything from passengers to raw materials and finished products. Because of its location relative to the rest of 

the nation, a number of major North/South and East/West rail lines run through the state which substantially 

increases the number of rail cars that pass through the state on a daily basis. The facts below further 

substantiate the large volume of rail traffic and illustrate the importance of Ohio’s rail network: 

4th in the Nation for Rail Tons Terminated by State (86,564,754 rail tons)

5th in the Nation for Rail Carloads Terminated by State (1,239,642 carloads terminated)

5th in the Nation in Freight Rail Employment (7,825 employees)

6th in the Nation for Rail Carloads Originated by State (1,060,385 carloads originated)

8th in the Nation for Rail tons Originated by State (61,522,546 rail tons)

Program Effectiveness 

The crashes occurring at public grade crossings in Ohio have shown a steady decline and 

leveling off since the early 1970s. The table below summarizes that progression. The state 

experienced a reduction in total crashes for 2010 which was 33% below the previous year. It is 

also important to note that crashes at locations with active warning devices (lights and gates or 

flashing lights only) accounted for 70% of all crashes occurring in 2010 
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Data does not include suicide or trespasser incidents

Statistics for 2010 show a total of 64 crashes with 4 fatalities and 14 injuries with 70% of the 

crashes coming from locations with active warning devices. 

Based upon the high volume of rail traffic, roadway users and rail grade crossings, the 

opportunity for crashes in Ohio is higher than in most other states. However, at the same time, 

the trend in the state has been a marked decrease in crashes over the last ten years. It is clear 

that the programs being managed by the State are producing results and that grade crossing 

safety in the state has, and is continuing to, improved. 

 

19 15 21 20

11 13 7

15

8 11 6 4

46 40 41 36

44

32 32 30

40

31

18 14

127

143

123 120

112 117 122

108 113

82

55

64

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

# of Occurences

Fiscal Year

Crash Statistics at Public Grade Crossings

In Ohio

Fatalities Injuries Crashes
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P ROGRAM DESCRIPTION 

Overall Program Structure 

The State of Ohio has a vibrant railroad safety program with two principle agencies responsible 

for administering both enforcement and improvement programs. The Public Utility Commission 

of Ohio (PUCO) serves as the regulatory body in charge of overseeing Ohio’s railroads. It 

accomplishes this through a combination of regulatory enforcement, inspections, and grant 

programs. The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) administers federal funds on behalf 

of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) that are utilized for railroad safety 

improvement projects. 

PUCO Program Overview 

Railroad Inspections 

The PUCO employs 13 railroad inspectors that monitor grade crossings, inspect railroad tracks 

and equipment, investigate all grade crossing incidents, and administer Ohio’s grade crossing 

database. All Ohio inspectors have been certified by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) 

and represent each of the five inspection disciplines. These inspectors annually conduct over 

5,900 grade crossing inspections. In addition to their standard inspection work, these individuals 

also respond to the concerns of the public such as complaints of rough crossings, excessive 

noise, bridge debris and overgrown weed and vegetation that can obstruct sight at railroad 

crossings as well as investigate crashes/derailments and assist in the review and approval of 

grade crossing upgrades and improvements. 

Safety Upgrades 

The installation of warning devices such as flashing lights and roadway gates is the most 

effective way to improve safety at rail crossings. Over the past 10 years, the PUCO has ordered 

the installation of lights and gates at more than 1,000 crossings throughout the state, with 72 

approved in 2010. In addition, many other safety and engineering enhancements have been 

implemented at Ohio rail crossings. 

Safety Improvement Funding opportunities 

Federal and state funding resources are available to local communities to implement safety 

upgrades and install lights and gates at crossings. These programs include: 

 Federal Funding – The PUCO and Ohio Rail Development Commission, work to select Ohio 

grade crossings for federally-funded safety upgrades. Crossings for these upgrades are 

chosen based on a priority list that ranks the crossings in order of risk of accident. Criteria to 

determine the risk of accident include the number of tracks, average daily traffic, crash 

history, number of highway lanes, train speed and the number of trains per day. These 

projects are paid 100 percent through federal funds, and the PUCO requires the railroad to 

complete the improvements within one year of the date the PUCO issues its order approving 

the project. 
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 State Grade Crossing Protection Program – Ohio Revised Code Section §4907.472 

established the Grade Crossing Protection Fund for the State of Ohio. This fund allocates 

$1.2 million annually to be used for the reduction of hazards at railroad grade crossings. For 

crossings not selected for federal funding, the state funded Grade Crossing Protection 

Program allows local communities to share the cost of installing safety devices with the state 

and the railroad. Communities who utilize this program may be required to pay between 15 

and 65 % of the cost of the project with the railroad responsible for 10% plus ongoing 

maintenance. The PUCO allocates funds for this program based on an objective formula 

measuring the seriousness of the hazard and other special conditions at the crossing. 

Communities wishing to apply for state funding must submit an application to the PUCO for 

consideration.

0

5

10

15

20

75%+ 70‐75% 60‐69% 50‐59% 40‐49% <39%

# Projects

% Funding Provided

PUCO % Funding for State Projects

(over the last 5 years)
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 Supplemental Assistance Program – The PUCO administers a supplemental assistance 

program to provide safety enhancements at crossings at which state or federal installation of 

active warning devices (gates and/or lights) is pending, as well as at crossings that have only 

passive warning signage. The PUCO provides up to $5,000 for physical improvements 

around the crossing such as rumble strips, illumination, improved signage, vegetation cutback or other safety enhancements. Local governments may erect these physical 

improvements as an interim measure while waiting for lights and gates to be installed, but the 

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

# Projects

Fiscal Year

Federal & State Lights & Gate Projects

(2004‐2010)

State

Fed

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

# Projects

Fiscal Year

Supplemental Projects
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supplemental assistance is not used to install warning devices. To apply for supplemental 

assistance, the local highway authority must submit an application to the PUCO for approval. 

Once construction has been completed and approved, the local highway authority may 

submit their cost for reimbursement. 

As the chart above demonstrates, we have seen an increase in assistance requests for this 

program over the last two fiscal years. This can be attributed in part to a more cohesive effort 

to increase awareness about the supplemental funding program. Our staff and field 

inspectors are encouraged to make recommendations for grade crossing improvements 

based on their field inspections at crossings. Over the last four years, the PUCO has sent 

over 500 letters to local highway authorities promoting the Supplemental Assistance 

Program. 

 Consolidation Program – In 1991 the Federal Railroad Administration set a goal to close 25% 

of highway-grade crossings in the United States, and the PUCO is committed to working 

toward that goal. The consolidation program works to eliminate unnecessary crossings in 

exchange for implementing safety improvements at other crossings along the same rail 

corridor. These improvements, such as lights and gates, signage and illumination are paid 

for through federal, state and railroad funds. When a local community agrees to permanently 

close a grade crossing to vehicle traffic, the state works to provide funding for the agreed 

upon upgrades. Communities wishing to participate in the consolidation program contact the 

ORDC or PUCO. A team will survey the site, evaluate the project, and negotiate the level of 

participation for the local highway authority and railroad. 

 School Initiative Program - Grade crossing safety is one of the highest priorities of the 

PUCO. Each year, the PUCO contacts over 700 Ohio school districts encouraging their 

transportation personnel to report any concerns with public grade crossings through which 

they travel. The PUCO can assist in the removal of weeds and vegetation obstructing sight 

views at crossings and can try to effectuate repairs at rough crossings. Ohio’s professional 

school bus drivers and transportation officials are in a unique position relative to grade 

crossings and the PUCO appreciates the assistance received from these individuals every 

year. 

 General Regulatory Powers – In addition to the various programs employed by the State, the 

PUCO also has the statutory authority to close crossings on its own authority or through 

proceedings initiated by the local highway authority or railroad. 
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 Crossing Exemptions –Under Ohio Revised Code §4511.63, any local authority may file a 

request for exemption from stopping at the railroad grade crossing. In cases where the 

railroad is not actively using a crossing, local authorities such as school systems routinely 

ask for a crossing to be made exempt so that buses and placarded vehicles do not have to 

stop at the crossing. This is supported by the local highway authority because it reduces the 

risk of rear end collisions due to busses and placarded vehicles stopping at the crossing; 

therefore making the crossing safer. Once an application is received by the Commission, 

comments are requested form all parties and a public hearing is conducted. After considering 

any comments or information gathered, the Commission either rejects or approves the 

application with certain conditions. Exemptions may be revoked if the conditions at the 

crossing change. 

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

# of Crossings Closed

Calendar Year

Consolidation Closures since 2001

State Projects

Federal Projects
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 Special Project Initiatives Completed 

Grade Crossing Profile Safety Improvement Program 

With the passage of Substitute Senate Bill No. 189 (SB 189), for Fy 2005 & 2006, the PUCO 

administered a total of $644,100 toward the Grade Crossing Profile and Safety Improvement 

Program. The program set forth a criteria to which local governments could be awarded 

matching grants of up to $25,000 to help pay for profile improvements at crossings by 

decreasing the elevation between the roadway and railroad, making it easier for motorist to 

see approaching trains and vehicle traffic. As specified in the legislation, to qualify for funds, 

the crossing could not be equipped with lights and gates, must have had a daily train count of 

at least 10 trains, and have had a daily traffic count of at least 100 motor vehicles per day. 

Circuitry Upgrade Program 

To carry out its responsibilities relative to grade crossing safety in Ohio, the PUCO has 

initiated various circuitry programs over the past 15 years. In 2007 PUCO staff filed a 

memorandum outlining a proposal for a Circuitry Upgrade Program. Staff proposed to 

modernize certain existing automatic warning devices and fund the cost of the projects 

through the additional $1.5 million allotment granted to the PUCO from the State Controlling 

Board. This allotment was above the annual $1.2 million allotment from Ohio‟s Grade 

Crossing Protection Fund. Railroad costs for this program were funded at 100%. Staff 

identified potential locations through the hazard ranking list and followed up with conducted 

field assessments. Six projects located in five different counties and involving four different 

railroads were selected and received circuitry upgrades. The total cost of these upgrades 

was $1,730,054.54. Additionally, the PUCO has initiated a program to pay the costs involved 

with replacing lights at older installations with LED lights 

 

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1997 1998 2001 2003 2004 2005 2008 2009

# Crossing Exemptions

Fiscal Year

Exemptions Granted
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Ohio Rail Development Commission Program Overview 

ORDC Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Programs provide funding for highway-railroad grade 

crossing safety improvements or corrective activity designed to alleviate a highway-railroad 

hazard. 

The ORDC Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Programs are primarily funded from the Federal 

Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Safety Improvement Program and Surface 

Transportation Program. Historically, ORDC has received $15 million per fiscal year. This 

amount exceeds the $8.2 million set-aside for railroad grade crossing safety in the 

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century and the Safe Accountable, Flexible Efficiency 

Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) by $6.8 million. In addition to this 

annual expenditure of $15 million, the ORDC assists ODOT and Metropolitan Planning 

Organizations (MPO) with the administration of all grade crossing safety improvement projects. 

An example of this activity would be federal set- asides. For State Fy2010, the total federal 

expenditures in the grade crossing safety programs for the State of Ohio were $25,666,940. In 

addition, the ORDC administered $434,661 in additional funds on behalf of other entities using 

non-federal funds, bringing the grand total of investment administered by the ORDC 

$26,101,601 

 Corridor Program - In an effort to take advantage of economies of scale and the closure of 

redundant crossings, the State of Ohio promotes the concept of upgrading segments of rail, 

with multiple crossings, at one time. The objective of this program is to „seal‟ high density rail 

segments with state of the art active warning devices. 

In 2005 the ORDC began a corridor project from Columbus to Cincinnati on the Norfolk 

Southern CJ Corridor. The corridor spans eight (8) Ohio counties and has 115 crossings to 

be addressed. The funding share for the project is 25% railroad funds and 75% federal funds. 

The first community to be addressed in the CJ Corridor was the City of Springfield. The $6.5 

million dollar project was funded with federal, local and railroad funds and involved five 

crossing closures, four grade crossings upgraded with 4-quadrant light and gate installations 

and the remaining crossings on the segment equipped with upgraded signal technology and 

wayside horns. These improvements enabled the City to apply and receive FRA approval for 

a Quiet Zone. The progression of the CJ Corridor continues; in Fy 2010 segments on the 

corridor were addressed in Butler County (5 crossings); Clark County (5 crossings); Franklin 

County (1 crossing); Greene County (1 crossing); Greene County, City of Fairborn (4 

crossings); Madison County (3 crossings); and Madison County, City of London (6 

crossings). 

In FY 2011 two (2) new corridors are under development. 

1. CSX and ORDC have identified a new corridor to be funded over several fiscal years. 

Galion to Union City, Great Lakes Division, Indianapolis Line Sub-Division will be 

addressed. The corridor has 123 public at- grade crossings and will be funded at a 

25/75% ratio. 
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2. Norfolk Southern and the ORDC have identified the Heartland Corridor from South Point 

to Columbus as a candidate for the corridor program. The corridor has 80public 

crossings. 

 Preemption Program - ODOT and the ORDC launched a joint Statewide Railroad Preemption 

Evaluation Project in 2009. The purpose of the project is to evaluate and prioritize 

improvements for highway-rail grade crossings and nearby highway traffic signals that are or 

should be interconnected for the purpose of interrupting the normal sequence of the traffic 

signal in order to clear vehicular traffic from the crossing area before train arrival at the 

crossing. It is imperative that these two traffic control systems work together to avoid tragic 

situations such as the one that arose in Fox River Grove, Illinois, in 1995, where a school bus 

was struck by a Metra commuter train resulting in seven fatalities. One of the most significant 

factors in this collision was the failure of the traffic control signal to provide adequate time for 

the school bus to move clear of the crossing prior to arrival of the train. Similar accidents, 

albeit with less publicity, continue to happen across the country on a regular basis. ORDC 

and ODOT‟s goal is to reduce this type of accident by developing and implementing 

standards for establishing appropriate railroad preemption timing parameters and making 

other improvements to the operations and control equipment for both the highway-rail grade 

crossing and highway traffic signal systems. 

The ODOT Traffic Engineering Manual Standard was finalized in March of 2010 and the list 

of active projects is growing. For Fy 2010 a total of twelve (12) preemption projects were 

funded. 

To date, the ORDC has identified 180 locations that will be reviewed over the next two years, 

prioritized and improvements funded over the next decade as funds are available 

 Grade Crossing Consolidation Program - The ORDC supports the consolidation initiative and 

has aggressively pursued the closure of redundant crossings for decades. In the Grade 

Crossing Consolidation Program, funds providing local incentive for crossing closure are 

utilized. The ORDC offers a range of improvements. Examples of improvements offered 

include flashing lights and roadway gates at other grade crossings in the community, surface 

reconstruction, profile improvement, and/or railroad infrastructure improvements that can 

benefit the highway user and/or the creation of parallel roadways, cul-de-sacs or Tturnarounds.

Over the years, crossing closures have become increasingly difficult to achieve. In 2010, the 

ORDC negotiated four (4) crossing closures. In conjunction with these closures, nine (9) 

surface and three (3) warning device projects were funded. 

 County Task Force/Constituent Initiated - The ORDC considers local level grass root 

interests in grade crossing safety a critical component of its overall program. By outreach to 

the County Engineer’s Association of Ohio, County Commissioners‟ Associate, Ohio 

Transportation Engineering Conference (OTEC), and the Angels on Track Foundation (AOT) 

the ORDC has assisted in the creation of approximately one dozen County Railroad Safety 
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Task Force organizations throughout the state. In these Task Force groups, ORDC‟s efforts 

are often complemented by the work of such rail highway grade crossing safety advocacy 

groups as AOT. ORDC staff is active on each of the Task Force groups and attempts to 

partner with local groups to fund safety projects that they prioritize. In addition to Task Force 

groups, Local Highway Authorities (LHA) may request assistance funding the local share of 

the PUCO State-funded light and gate projects. The projects funded in 2010 under this 

category were three (3) warning device installations recommended by Medina County Task 

Force; eight (8) light and gate installations where ORDC covered the local share funding; and 

five (5) crossings upgraded as a result of reports received through AOT. AOT is particularly 

active and uses an aggressive public service announcement campaign to direct constituents 

to its website where they may report a dangerous crossing. In Fy 2010, 287 AOT reports 

were received by the ORDC and each report is investigated in depth. AOT reports that did 

not result in grade crossing improvements either were not selected for improvements with 

federal funds or are still under review. An additional crossing was reconstructed and 

relocated due to a constituent report other than AOT.

 Fatal Crash Upgrade Program - The Fatal Crash Upgrade Program was a program initiated 

by the ORDC in 2001. When a community in Ohio experiences a fatal grade crossing crash, 

the ORDC immediately obtain crash reports from the law enforcement agency that 

investigated the crash and determines if a field review of the crossing is needed. If the field 

review ultimately concludes that an engineering improvement would reduce the chance of 

another crash, the ORDC immediately addresses the engineering issue with a project to 

implement the corrective action. In Fy 2010, the ORDC funded one (1) installation of flashing 

lights and roadway gates as a result of this program. Thus far in Fy 2011 the ORDC has 

identified one project in this program.

 Crossbuck Assembly Program - The State of Ohio has undertaken a program to improve 

safety at passive crossings in the state. The Crossbuck Assembly Program will install new 

warning devices at all public, passive rail-highway grade crossings in the State of Ohio. This 

is required to meet the ORDC obligation to restore crossbucks at these locations to MUTCD 

and FRA standards following the conclusion of the Buckeye Crossbuck evaluation period. 

The Buckeye Crossbuck incorporated a three-paneled shield with the word “yield.” The new 

crossbuck assemblies feature a standard crossbuck with either a standard yield or stop sign. 

In addition, it will facilitate bringing the passive warning devices into compliance with 2009 

MUTCD which requires a stop or yield sign at all passive grade crossings and previous 

MUTCD editions which specify rectroreflectivity requirements. The construction phase is 

intended to be complete by December 31, 2011. 

This project is mutually beneficial to the ORDC and the railroads, as it (1) meets the ORDC 

obligation of restoring signage to its original state following the conclusion of the Buckeye 

Crossbuck evaluation period, and (2) meets the railroads‟ obligation to meet MUTCD 

requirements for retroreflectivity. The ORDC is partnering with the railroads to share equally 

in the installation and material costs of these MUTCD-compliant signs, including labor, 

materials, and other ancillary costs. ORDC expects to replace crossbuck assemblies at 

2,077 passive crossings statewide with $1,080,165 in federal funds and $1,110,915 from 

partner railroads. 
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 Railroad-Highway Grade Separations - Ohio has actively pursued the construction of 

Railroad-Highway Grade Separations. In 2001, in response to increased rail traffic resulting 

from the Conrail sale to CSX and Norfolk Southern in 1999, the State of Ohio established the 

Grade Separation Program. This ten-year effort identified and administered $200 million as a 

program under the Ohio Department of Transportation, resulting in the selection and 

development of twenty-eight (28) new grade separation projects in Ohio with a total project 

cost to date of $166,041,609. Of the twenty-eight projects identified and deemed eligible for 

funding, all but three have been completed. 

Although the program is no longer active, new Grade Separations Projects are eligible for 

funding under ODOT’s current Major New Project Program. Safety is a major factor for 

project selection under this program. 

 
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STATE S AFETY P ROGRAM OBJECTIVE 1

YEAR I NITIATED : YEAR OF PLANNED C OMPLETION : 

Problem Statement: Passive grade crossings where the installation of lights and gates is not 

appropriate continue to have crashes. 

Performance Objective: To enhance the physical characteristics at passive grade crossing locations, 

where the installation of lights and gates is not appropriate in an effort to reduce 

crashes occurring at such locations. 

Performance Objective 

Measure: Expend an average of $35,000/year on supplemental projects from the state 

grade crossing program. 

Performance Objective 

Status Update: In Fiscal Year 2010, the PUCO spent $45,592.88 on 21 supplemental projects. 

Program Strategy: Education and Awareness 

Program Activity Plan: The PUCO will work with local government agencies to promote the use of funds 

for the enhancement of physical characteristics of crossings where gates and 

lights are not appropriate; review requests that have been submitted; award 

grants to qualifying projects; monitor the progress of projects, and audit selected 

projects to ensure all financial and project parameters have been followed. 

Program Activity Measure: The number of crossing improvements and funds allocated in each fiscal year.

Program Activity 

Monitoring & Evaluation: On a quarterly/yearly basis, the PUCO will monitor the number of projects that are 

being funded and the amount of money allocated for each one to determine if the 

goals of the activity and overall objective are being met. If necessary, annual 

goals will be adjusted as deemed necessary. 

 

2008 2018
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STATE S AFETY P ROGRAM OBJECTIVE 2

YEAR I NITIATED : YEAR OF PLANNED C OMPLETION : 

Problem Statement: There are locations where the installation of lights and gates are warranted, but are 

not eligible for funding under the federal program. 

Performance Objective: Install lights and gates at crossings where lights and gates are warranted, but are 

not eligible for federal funding. 

Performance Objective 

Measure: Facilitate at least 6 light and gate projects per fiscal year. 

Performance Objective 

Status Update: In Fiscal Year 2010, the PUCO encumbered $1,196,780.90 on 13 projects. 

Program Strategy: To solicit and review applications from local highway authority’s and provide 

funding based on formula measuring the seriousness of the hazard and other 

special conditions at the highway grade crossing. 

Program Activity Plan: The PUCO will work with local government agencies to promote the use of funds 

for the installation of lights and gates where they are warranted but are not eligible 

for federal funding; review requests that have been submitted; award grants to 

qualifying projects; monitor the progress of projects, and audit selected projects to 

ensure all financial and project parameters have been adhered to. 

Program Activity Measure: The number of projects completed and funds allocated in each fiscal year.

Program Activity 

Monitoring & Evaluation: On a quarterly/yearly basis, the PUCO will monitor the number of projects that are 

being funded and the amount of money allocated for each one to determine if the 

goals of the activity and overall objective are being met. If necessary, annual goals 

will be adjusted as deemed necessary. 

 

2008 2018
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STATE S AFETY P ROGRAM OBJECTIVE 3

YEAR I NITIATED : YEAR OF PLANNED C OMPLETION : 

Problem Statement: The State will work with varies organizations to address grade crossing education 

and engineering 

Performance Objective: The State will work with County Task Forces, Local Highway Authorities, nonprofit, public rail crossing education programs to evaluate constituent reports of 

grade crossing concerns to identify crossings for safety improvements. This 

addresses goals outlined in our Mission Statement. 

Performance Objective 

Measure: The number of reports received each year varies. It is anticipated that at least five 

(5) crossings per year will receive safety improvements based on County Task 

Force and/or constituent reports. 

Performance Objective 

Status Update: The projects funded in 2010 under this category were three (3) warning device 

installations; (8) eight light and gate installations where ORDC covered the local 

share funding; and twenty-seven (27) safety improvements as a result of 

constituent reports. 

Program Strategy 1: The State will work with County Task Forces and local highway authorities to 

identify crossings that are eligible for funding. The State has a strategy in place to 

evaluate constituent reports and will progress safety improvements based on 

evaluation and eligibility. 

Program Activity Plan 1: The State will evaluate crossings identified by County Task Forces, local highway 

authorities and constituents and determine which crossings will receive safety 

improvements. Activities include researching the crossing for hazard index, field 

reviews, determination regarding improvements, and construction of 

improvements. 

Program Activity Measure 1: The program will be measured by number of crossings submitted for evaluation by 

Local County Task Forces, local highway authorities, non- profit, public rail 

crossing education programs and constituents compared to the number evaluated. 

It will also be measured by the number of crossings selected for improvement and 

the number of improvements constructed. 

Program Activity 

Monitoring & Evaluation 1: Crossings submitted for evaluation will be recorded and evaluated, except in rare 

instances, within one year. Crossings selected for safety improvement under this 

program will be programmed within one year. 

Program Strategy 2: The state will continue to work to provide the public with an easy to use method of 

obtaining information and reporting concerns regarding railroad grade crossings.

Program Activity Plan 2: The Ohio Rail Hotline, will continue to be maintained jointly by the PUCO, the 

ORDC, and the ODOT, at (866) 814- RAIL (7245). This resource will be used to 

provide all Ohioans with a toll-free resource to answer all of their rail crossing 

questions including:

 Reporting any rail safety concerns; 

2008 2018
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 Answering questions about a specific railroad crossing; 

 Answering questions about funding for railroad crossing safety devices and 

other crossing improvements; 

 Providing information about railroad development opportunities; and, 

 Provide answers about rail corridor improvements or public grade crossing 

closures.

Program Activity Measure 2: The program will be measured by the number of calls coming into the hotline 

broken down by type. 

Program Activity 

Monitoring & Evaluation 2: On a quarterly/yearly basis, the PUCO will monitor the number of calls that come 

into the hotline broken down by type and provide that information to other state 

agencies so that resources can best be utilized according to the types of issues 

being raised and problem areas identified.

 
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STATE S AFETY P ROGRAM OBJECTIVE 4

YEAR I NITIATED : YEAR OF PLANNED C OMPLETION : 

Problem Statement: The State of Ohio must find the best possible way to accomplish the upgrade of 

passive and antiquated active warning devices to state-of-the-art flashing lights and 

roadway gates at as many crossings as possible. The Corridor Program allows our 

partner railroads who have dense rail traffic corridors and line segments with 

crossing which are equipped with passive warning devices or antiquated active 

warning devices to overlay these upgrades in line with the State‟s goals. In 

addition, the Railroad and State will partner to eliminate redundant crossings within 

these corridors. This partnership allows for a cost sharing of railroad funds and 

government funds. 

Performance Objective: The objective of the Corridor Program is to maximize limited resources and 

address a series of crossings along the same rail corridor thereby achieving 

savings from purchase of materials in a bulk fashion, labor savings by eliminating 

remobilization costs and obtaining railroad share of cost. 

Performance Objective 

Measure: The State of Ohio will analyze the average cost per crossing in rail coridors in 

comparison to the average cost of the same railroads‟ stand alone projects. 

Performance Objective 

Status Update: The State of Ohio has been progressing the CJ corridor for the last 6 years. In 

2010, 25 crossings were addressed.

Program Strategy: The State of Ohio continues to work with our railroad partners on development of 

Corridor Projects. The ORDC is currently in negotiations with both NS and CSX for 

the Heartland Corridor from South Point to Columbus and the CSX Galion to Union 

City, Great Lakes Division, and Indianapolis Line Sub-Division respectively. 

Program Activity Plan: The State of Ohio programs are frequently overlapping. For example, while 115 

locations were identified by the CJ Corridor with NS; the PUCO Prioritization 

Program, the ORDC Fatal Crash Program, the ORDC Fatal Crash Program or 

other programs might identify the some of the same locations. The State of Ohio 

shall monitor the progression of the Corridor Project and make every attempt to 

realize the economy realized from the program. 

Program Activity Measure: Measure of activities is based on number of grade crossing improvements 

identified compared to the number of improvements completed. 

Program Activity 

Monitoring & Evaluation: Each fiscal year a number of locations within the target corridors will be identified 

for progression as individual projects. The projects will be monitored by ORDC. 

Evaluation will be based on timely progression and completion of construction. 

Program Activity Measure: ORDC will compare per project costs for projects initiated under the corridor 

program against the cost of the projects if they were completed individually. 

 

2005 2014
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STATE S AFETY P ROGRAM OBJECTIVE 5

YEAR I NITIATED : YEAR OF PLANNED C OMPLETION : 

Problem Statement: Motorists stopped at highway traffic signals in close proximity of highway-rail grade 

crossings queue over the tracks increasing the potential for crashes, injuries and 

fatalities at grade crossings. Preemption, or interconnection between highway-rail 

grade crossing warning devices and highway traffic signals, is a method to reduce 

the likelihood of vehicles occupying the tracks when a train is approaching. The 

State has identified 180 highway-rail grade crossings that have, or should have, 

interconnection with nearby highway traffic signals. These crossings need to be 

prioritized and evaluated for potential improvements to reduce the likelihood of 

crashes. 

Performance Objective: The objective is to improve the identification of high-risk highway-rail grade 

crossings and evaluate and prioritize improvements for 180 highway-rail grade 

crossings and nearby highway traffic signals that are or should be interconnected 

for the purpose of interrupting the normal sequence of the traffic signal in order to 

clear vehicular traffic from the crossing area before train arrival at the crossing. 

The preemption program will reduce the human factor of motorists being stopped 

on the tracks when a train is approaching, thereby increasing grade crossing 

safety. 

Performance Objective 

Measure: Performance will be measured by the number of locations that receive corrective 

action for preemption. These locations may be drawn from the current list of 180 

grade crossings or from other sources that identify a need for highway-rail grade 

crossing preemption. 

Performance Objective 

Status Update: The Preemption Program started in 2009 with the development of an ODOT 

standard for railroad preemption in the State of Ohio and the identification of 

locations that are, or should be, preempted. The ODOT Traffic Engineering 

Manual Standard was finalized in March of 2010 and the list of active projects is 

growing. For FY 2010 a total of twelve (12) preemption projects were funded and 

ORDC is providing technical assistance on over 20 community projects. 

Program Strategy: The State will review grade crossings for preemption needs and implement 

preemption between highway-rail grade crossings and highway traffic signals as 

recommended. 

Program Activity Plan: The 180 highway-rail grade crossings identified as needing preemption will be 

prioritized using mathematical formula by the end of 2011. Evaluation and 

recommendations for improvements for all 180 crossings will be complete by the 

end of 2012. Improvements to identified crossings will commence in 2011 and be 

complete by 2021. Railroad and highway projects identified through other 

programs will be evaluated and coordinated for preemption needs. ORDC will: 

 Prioritize the 180 identified crossings. 

 Implement a system to evaluate all new railroad projects funded by ORDC 

for preemption. 

 Work with ODOT to identify highway projects that require railroad 

preemption. 

 Projects will be scheduled based on the priority ranking. 

2009 2021
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Program Activity Measure: The 180 identified crossings have been prioritized using a mathematical formula. 

These crossings will be scheduled for improvement based on available funds. New 

highway projects that are identified as requiring preemption with railroad grade 

crossings will be addressed during construction of the highway project. New 

railroad projects that are identified as requiring preemption will be addressed during 

construction of the railroad projects. 

Program Activity 

Monitoring & Evaluation: During 2012 all 180 projects will be evaluated and scheduled for review. New 

railroad projects will be monitored for preemption needs as an on-going process. 

ORDC will work with ODOT for a yearly update of highway projects that require 

preemption. 

 
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STATE S AFETY P ROGRAM OBJECTIVE 6

YEAR I NITIATED : YEAR OF PLANNED C OMPLETION : 

Problem Statement: Crossbucks at public, passive rail-highway grade crossings in the State of Ohio are 

required to be restored to MUTCD standards following the conclusion of the 

Buckeye Crossbuck evaluation period. Passive warning devices need to be 

brought into compliance with 2009 MUTCD which requires a stop or yield sign at all 

passive grade crossings and previous MUTCD editions which specify 

rectroreflectivity requirements. At the beginning of the program there were an 

estimated 2,077 grade crossings in Ohio that meet this criteria, with an estimated 

4,154 crossbucks. 

Performance Objective: The Crossbuck Assembly Program will install new warning devices at all public, 

passive rail-highway grade crossings in the State of Ohio. This is required to meet 

the ORDC obligation to restore crossbucks at these locations to MUTCD standards 

following the conclusion of the Buckeye Crossbuck evaluation period. In addition, it 

will facilitate bringing the passive warning devices into compliance with 2009 

MUTCD which requires a stop or yield sign at all passive grade crossings and 

previous MUTCD editions which specify rectroreflectivity requirements. 

Performance Objective 

Measure: Objective will be complete when all identified crossings have MUTCD compliant 

crossbuck assemblies in place. It is currently estimated that this involves 

replacement of 4,154 crossbucks. The crossing locations will be compared to the 

PUCO inventory list. A random field check of 10% of improved crossings will be 

conducted by ORDC staff or designated personnel. 

Performance Objective 

Status Update:

Program Strategy: The State will partner with approximately 33 railroads for the replacement of 

crossbucks at all public, passive rail-highway grade crossing with new MUTCD 

compliant crossbuck assemblies. 

Program Activity Plan: The following activities are planned to complete the Crossbuck Assembly Program: 

 Identification of locations with public, passive rail-highway grade crossings in 

Ohio and the number of assemblies required at each location. 

 Agreements executed with 33 railroad entities for work to be performed. 

 Construction of signs and delivery to railroads. 

 Installation of crossbuck assemblies. 

 Verification of improvements performed by comparing railroad certified 

documentation with the PUCO inventory list and conducting random field check 

of 10% of improved crossings. 

Program Activity Measure: Activities will be measured by number of railroads that have confirmed grade 

crossing inventory, number of railroads with signed agreements, and number of 

crossbuck assemblies installed. 

Program Activity 

Monitoring & Evaluation: The State will monitor program activity by means of checklists, spreadsheets and 

inspections. Program will be evaluated based on number of activities complete. 

 

2010 2012
F Y 2012 OHIO R AILROAD S AFETY PLAN

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STATE I NSPECTION AND GRANT P ROGRAMS

In addition to the wide array of grade crossing specific programs Ohio also employs a robust multi-faceted 

inspection program. This inspection program seeks to address not only grade crossings but also the equipment, 

people and systems that utilize those crossings. The objectives that follow provide a brief overview of the types of 

additional rail safety programs being employed in Ohio that enhance safety on Ohio‟s railroads and in doing so 

further reduce the potential for incidents along grade crossings throughout the state. 

Objective: Conduct Hazardous Materials Inspections 

Activities: Responsible for monitoring regulatory compliance of hazardous materials 

shipments by rail within an assigned territory: 

Goals: The PUCO Rail Division conducts periodic inspections of the handling of 

hazardous materials to ensure compliance with state and/or federal safety 

standards. The table below contains the actual performance related to the major 

types of activities performed for the last three years. Inspection days goal is 50. 

Inspection Type 2008 2009 2010

Reports 190 200 189

Defects 429 266 255

Units 12288 8688 9146

Observations 1025 998 959

Violation Reports 1 5 4

Violation Defects 1 6 4

Inspection Days 167 170 163

Monitoring: Work performed by the rail division is monitored on a regular basis by the Rail 

division supervisor as well as officials from the FRA. On a monthly, quarterly and 

yearly basis reports will be prepared detailing the work performed to ensure the 

overall yearly goals for each area are at pace. Based upon the work load and 

specific needs the supervisor will work with staff to ensure goals are met, or in 

cases where expected work demand is below the goals that have been set, 

adjustments to the overall goals will be made. 
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Objective: Conduct Motive Power and Equipment Inspections 

Activities: Responsible for the improvement and advancement of railroad safety in areas 

related to design, construction, inspection, maintenance and use of railroad rolling 

stock and related appurtenances within an assigned territory: 

Goals: The PUCO Rail Division conducts periodic inspections that provide assurance that 

railroad cars and locomotives are operational in compliance with state and/or 

federal safety standards. Inspectors are charged with the impartial and uniform 

application of the laws, rules, and regulations, orders and standards pertaining to 

railroad equipment. The table below contains the actual performance related to the 

major types of activities performed for the last three years. Inspection days goal is 

50. 

Inspection Type 2008 2009 2010

Reports 104 145 174

Defects 723 832 923

Units 7893 10890 11951

Observations 356 516 568

Violation Reports 3 8 4

Violation Defects 5 12 11

Inspection Days 83 111 139

Monitoring: Work performed by the Rail Division is monitored on a regular basis by the Rail 

Division supervisor as well as officials from the FRA. On a monthly, quarterly and 

yearly basis reports will be prepared detailing the work performed to ensure the 

overall yearly goals for each area are at pace. Based upon the work load and 

specific needs the supervisor will work with staff to ensure goals are met, or in 

cases where expected work demand is below the goals that have been set, 

adjustments to the overall goals will be made. 
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Objective: Conduct Operating Practices Inspections 

Activities: Concerned with operating rules and practices, administration of Federal alcohol 

and drug control programs, hours of service for railroad employees involved with 

the movement of trains, Federal locomotive engineer certification standards, 

occupational safety conditions and reporting, and employee training and 

qualification: 

Goals: The PUCO Rail Division conducts periodic inspections and investigations to ensure 

that the operating practices of the railroad are in compliance with state and federal 

laws and regulations. The table below contains the actual performance related to 

the major types of activities performed for the last three years. Inspection days goal 

is 50. 

Inspection Type 2008 2009 2010

Reports 157 99 56

Defects 159 68 39

Units 710 430 378

Observations 508 412 345

Violation Reports 22 1 0

Violation Defects 23 1 0

Inspection Days 134 96 56

Monitoring: Work performed by the Rail Division is monitored on a regular basis by the Rail 

Division Supervisor as well as officials from the FRA. On a monthly, quarterly and 

yearly basis reports will be prepared detailing the work performed to ensure the 

overall yearly goals for each area are at pace. Based upon the work load and 

specific needs the supervisor will work with staff to ensure goals are met, or in 

cases where expected work demand is below the goals that have been set, 

adjustments to the overall goals will be made. 
F Y 2012 OHIO R AILROAD S AFETY PLAN

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Objective: Conduct Signals and Train Control Inspections 

Activities: Concerned with signal and train control and highway-rail crossing warning systems 

within an assigned territory: 

Goals: The PUCO Rail Division conducts periodic inspections and investigations to ensure 

that highway rail crossing warning systems are in proper working order and in 

compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. The table below contains 

the actual performance related to the major types of activities performed for the last 

three years. Inspection days goal is 50. 

Inspection Type 2008 2009 2010

Reports 93 103 103

Defects 143 198 233

Units 1190 2058 1933

Observations 171 196 193

Violation Reports 1 1 1

Violation Defects 1 3 1

Inspection Days 91 103 102

Monitoring: Work performed by the Rail Division is monitored on a regular basis by the Rail 

Division Supervisor as well as officials from the FRA. On a monthly, quarterly and 

yearly basis reports will be prepared detailing the work performed to ensure the 

overall yearly goals for each area are at pace. Based upon the work load and 

specific needs the supervisor will work with staff to ensure goals are met, or in 

cases where expected work demand is below the goals that have been set, 

adjustments to the overall goals will be made. 
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Objective: Conduct Track Inspections 

Activities: Perform inspection and monitoring functions to assure compliance with state and/or 

federal safety and health regulations among railroads, railroad employees, and 

contractors to railroads within an assigned geographical territory: 

Goals: The PUCO Rail Division conducts periodic inspections and investigations to ensure 

that railroad tracks meet state and/or federal safety regulations. The table below 

contains the actual performance related to the major types of activities performed 

for the last three years. Inspection days goal is 50. 

Inspection Type 2008 2009 2010

Reports 147 144 80

Defects 606 419 208

Units 2630 3343 1547

Observations 525 464 297

Violation Reports 1 0 1

Violation Defects 1 0 1

Inspection Days 97 97 66

Monitoring: Work performed by the Rail Division is monitored on a regular basis by the Rail 

Division Supervisor as well as officials from the FRA. On a monthly, quarterly and 

yearly basis reports will be prepared detailing the work performed to ensure the 

overall yearly goals for each area are at pace. Based upon the work load and 

specific needs the supervisor will work with staff to ensure goals are met, or in 

cases where expected work demand is below the goals that have been set, 

adjustments to the overall goals will be made. 
F Y 2012 OHIO R AILROAD S AFETY PLAN

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Objective: Conduct Grade Crossing Inspections 

Activities: Responsible for monitoring regulatory compliance or railroad grade crossings 

Goals: The PUCO Rail Division conducts inspections of railroad grade crossings on a 

routine basis and investigates complaints from the public, rail unions and 

state/local governments. The goal is 90% of the total number of grade crossings. 

Inspection Type 2009 2010 

Assigned Crossings Inspected (Note 1) 4691 3464 

Assigned Crossings 6000 5900 

% Assigned Crossing Inspections Complete 78% 59% 

Complaint Investigations 

Type 2008 2009 2010 

Blocked Xing 3 2 10 

Bridge 6 5 11 

Drainage 17 8 4 

Fence 1 2 3 

Malfunctions 14 16 24 

Other 28 16 16 

Private Xing Issue 5 2 1 

Rough 132 104 107 

Track 2 3 2 

Union 37 22 19 

Visibility 12 7 3 

Weed&Veg 75 72 90 

Total 332 290 262 

Monitoring: Work performed by the Rail Division is monitored on a regular basis by the Rail 

Division Supervisor as well as officials from the FRA. On a monthly, quarterly and 

yearly basis reports will be prepared detailing the work performed to ensure the 

overall yearly goals for each area are at pace. Based upon the work load and 

specific needs the supervisor will work with staff to ensure goals are met, or in 

cases where expected work demand is below the goals that have been set, 

adjustments to the overall goals will be made.
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P ROGRAM CHALLENGES

1. The Consolidation Program faces a number of significant challenges. 

 The ability to negotiate closures of redundant grade crossings is restricted by funding limitations. 

For example, improvements other than warning device installations, such as surface 

reconstructions, require a 10% non-federal funding match; and a cap on incentive payment of 

$7,500 (23CFR, Section 130 (i)(3)(B)). 

 It is increasingly difficult to negotiate closures as the safety benefits are difficult to convey to 

political leaders and constituents, and the value of incentives is not sufficiently attractive to 

overcome public resistance to road closures. 

2. The inability to mandate that local highway authorities conform to ODOT‟s Highway-Rail Grade Crossing 

Interconnection Standard compromises the ability of the Preemption Program to ensure that the optimum level 

of safety is reached for interconnection between railroad warning devices and traffic signals on other than state 

and US routes. In some cases a „next-best‟ scenario must be implemented based on negotiations with LHAs. 

3. Appropriation increases must be legislatively approved even when funds already exist. In accordance with 

section 131.25 (A)(3), Ohio Revised Code, the P UCO will request an increase in appropriation from the Grade 

Crossing Protection Fund in the amount of $1.6 million. The additional funds will be used to alter public-at-grade 

crossings, in various municipalities throughout Ohio, by upgrading existing antiquated flashing-light railroad 

warning signals with the installation of new 12” LED flashing-light railroad crossing warning signals. 

4. Due to the high cost associated with railroad-highway grade separations and the limited funds available for 

grade crossing warning devices Ohio does not have a dedicated program for grade separation projects. 

Potential grade separation projects must compete with other major highway projects for funding. 

 
F Y 2012 OHIO R AILROAD S AFETY PLAN

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STATE P ROGRAM C ONTACTS

This section provides a list of contacts who are responsible for rail activities in the state. 

Name Agency Phone 

Rob Marvin 

Department Director Public Utilities Commission of Ohio 614-466-0437 

Leah Thomas-Dalton 

Rail Division Chief Public Utilities Commission of Ohio 614-466-0407 

Matt Dietrich 

Executive Director Ohio Rail Development Commission 614-644-0295 

Susan Kirkland 

Safety Manager Ohio Rail Development Commission 614-644-0286 

Cathy Stout 

Assistant Safety Manager Ohio Rail Development Commission 614-644-0313 

Evelyn Hendricks 

Grade Crossing Manager Federal Railroad Administration 330‐416‐1139

Michael Armstrong 

Safety Engineer Federal Highway Administration 614‐280‐6855