Ohio Rail Development Commission accepting applications for new Orphan Rail Crossing Program

The Ohio Rail Development Commission (Rail Commission) is now accepting applications for its Orphan Rail Crossing Program.

Recently approved in the state transportation bill (HB 33), this program provides $1 million to address repairs and improvements to crossings that are no longer used, abandoned by the railroad or are currently active but have no clear ownership or responsible party for maintenance.

Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the Rail Commission, said, “While our goal is to preserve and encourage rail use, we understand that it is not possible in all situations. We are grateful to have these resources to take care of long-term issues for communities.”

Project applications will be reviewed on an individual basis and evaluated based on community and railroad concurrence on the proposed project. The Orphan Rail Crossing Program will require the funding recipient to accept long-term maintenance responsibility for the asset after project completion.

For more information about the program or to apply for funding, please visit the Rail Commission website at https://odot.formstack.com/forms/ordc_application_orphan_crossings.

The Ohio Rail Development Commission assists Ohio communities, companies and railroads in creating and retaining jobs by preserving rail service to existing shippers and providing rail service to new customers. The Rail Commission also funds projects to improve railroad-highway grade crossings to increase safety for the traveling public. Rail lines in Ohio are private property. Trespassing is both extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited.