Heart of Perrysburg Gets Better, Safer Rail Corridor

Team effort by city, railroad and Sate of Ohio nets a win-win for residents, motorists

Columbus (Wednesday April 28, 2010) – Major improvements to railroad crossings through downtown Perrysburg, Ohio are near completion and demonstrating  how public-private partnerships can reap both greater safety and even a greener look for a rail corridor.

Completion of the Perrysburg grade crossing consolidation project marks the end of a 3-year process that brought together city and railroad officials as well as the Ohio Rail Development Commission and Ohio Department of Transportation to address local concerns over traffic delays at a series of six crossings in the heart of the community.  Improvements include state-of-the-art technology upgrades to crossings at the Locust, Elm and Walnut Street crossings along the CSX railroad corridor to reduce delays for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

In addition, the city, state and railroad agreed to permanently close grade crossings at Cherry, Pine and Hickory Streets.  As part of the closure agreement, the closed crossings will be landscaped to both block the old crossings and provide a more visually pleasing barrier.

“As we’ve seen with similar projects in cities like Springfield and Fostoria”, says ORDC Executive Director Matt Dietrich, “ this shows what can be done when local officials and the railroads work as productive partners to tackle local issues and concerns and create an end result that is a win-win for everyone.”

“This collaborative effort insured that every railroad crossing in our city is now protected with gates and lights and we are grateful for the substantial investment by the Ohio Rail Development Commission”, says Perrysburg Mayor Nelson D. Evans, who went on to say, “I also express my appreciation to CSX for their valuable assistance and extensive work on this public safety initiative.”

The $728,000 dollar project is slated to be completed in June. 

The Ohio Rail Development Commission is a state commission whose mission is to plan, promote, and implement the improved movement of goods and people faster and safer on a rail transportation network connecting Ohio to the nation and the world.   The ORDC assists with economic development funding by partnering with local governments, railroads, private businesses and other state agencies on freight, safety and passenger projects.

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For more information contact:
Stu Nicholson, ORDC Communications,