COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) approved eight projects totaling more than $81 million in rail infrastructure investment at its bi-monthly meeting on Nov. 13, 2025.

The funded projects focus on rail rehabilitation, expansion, bridge maintenance and two major grade crossing elimination efforts in Columbiana and Butler counties.

Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the ORDC, emphasized the strategic importance of the funding.

“The projects approved by the Rail Commission each represent a significant commitment by these companies and communities to improve rail safety and enhance economic development within the state,” Dietrich said in a statement. “Safe and efficient rail operations within Ohio are a critical component of our mission.”

Grade Crossing Elimination

A major focus of the meeting was rail safety. The ORDC approved and agreed to sponsor two significant projects for federal grants through the Ohio Grade Crossing Elimination Program:

  • Columbiana County/City of Salem: The commission approved up to $7.7 million to replace the existing at-grade crossing at Lincoln Avenue with a grade separation. Lincoln Avenue is a crucial thoroughfare that sees more than 40 Norfolk Southern and two Amtrak trains daily. The total project investment is estimated at $27 million.
  • Butler County/City of Fairfield: The commission approved up to $7.5 million to assist the Butler County Transportation Improvement District with replacing the at-grade crossing at Symmes Road in Fairfield with a grade separation. This project, estimated at $42 million, is critical for reducing delays for emergency responders caused by the approximately 30 daily trains.

Infrastructure and Economic Development

The commission also approved grants and loans for several businesses and short lines across the state:

Tectum Inc – Armstrong World Industries (Newark): Approved a $100,000 grant for rail spur rehabilitation, conditioned on the company pledging to create 12 new jobs and retain 132 existing jobs.

Ashland Railway (Richland County): Received a $237,000 grant to rehabilitate four miles of mainline track to maintain safe operations across north central Ohio.

Cincinnati Eastern Railroad (Clermont County): Approved for a $300,000 grant to rehabilitate a bridge spanning State Routes 132 and 222 and the East Fork Little Miami River.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Approved a $900,000 loan to repower two locomotives with Tier 4 all-electric engines, reducing emissions in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority (Zanesville): Received an $800,000 grant to construct two new transload tracks and resurface an existing track at Eastpointe Business Park to expand capacity driven by Plaskolite, LLC’s planned expansion.

Washington Penn Plastic (Wapakoneta): Approved for a $600,000 grant to rehabilitate 4,000 feet of industrial spur track, ensuring continued rail service for Washington Penn Plastic and AIP Logistics.