Rail Commission approves funding for road relocation project in St. Clair Township, Butler County
On Jan. 18, the Ohio Rail Development Commission approved funding from the Ohio Grade Crossing Elimination Program to the Butler County Engineer’s Office for their proposed roadway relocation project in St. Clair Township.
The project will construct an access road for the Cedar Grove residential subdivision in the township and close at least one existing at-grade railroad crossing, potentially two crossings.
The total project cost is estimated at $3.1 million. The Rail Commission will contribute $2.7 million, or 90 percent of the cost. Funds will be provided through the Ohio Grade Crossing Elimination Program. Butler County will contribute the remaining 10 percent toward this project. Norfolk Southern, the operating railroad, will also contribute funding toward the project.
Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the Ohio Rail Development Commission, said “The creation of better access in this area will greatly enhance the safety of its residents. We are happy to partner with the Butler County Engineer to resolve this longstanding issue.”
“We are extremely grateful to the Ohio Rail Development Commission for their generous grant to help fund the Cedar Grove Connector project. This project will ensure the safety and convenience of the Cedar Grove subdivision residents and provide crucial access for first responders in the event of a stopped train. Without the ORDC, this much-needed project would not have been possible,” said Greg Wilkens, P.E., P.S., Butler County Engineer.
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. For additional information, please contact Wende Jourdan at (614) 728-9497.