Ohio rail grants fund four freight infrastructure projects

USA: The Ohio Rail Development Commission has approved $1.46 million in Ohio rail grants for four projects tied to more than $353.7 million in statewide investment.

The awards were approved at the commission’s July 23 meeting. The official meeting packet shows that the total combines rail work with larger industrial developments, including a $325 million expansion at Tower Automotive’s Bellevue plant.

Ohio rail grants cover bridges, track and transload capacity

Tower Automotive will receive $160,000 toward about $5 million in on-site rail improvements within its plant expansion. The work includes extending tracks into the building, adding track and turnouts, reconstructing crossings and upgrading drainage. The company plans to increase daily rail use from eight carloads to 20, with full rail functionality aligned with operational needs beginning in 2028.

The Akron Barberton Cluster Railway was awarded $700,000, covering half of a $1.406 million project on its Ravenna Line in Kent. Crews will rehabilitate the concrete abutments and center pier of Bridge 2.3, replace both steel spans and install a new timber tie deck designed to current AREMA standards for Cooper E-80 loading. The line serves two existing customers east of the bridge.

A further $500,000 will support the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway reconstruction of the Silver Street bridge in Akron. The $2.3095 million project will replace the 1900 structure, convert it from one span to three and increase roadway clearance from 14 feet 9 inches to 16 feet 10 inches.

G&D Trucking/Hoffman Transportation will receive $100,000 for a new rail-served warehouse and transload facility at Columbus Grove. Plans include an 850-foot connection to the CSX main line and a 12-track yard with space for up to 348 covered hopper cars. The company committed to generating at least 500 annual carloads and creating 50 jobs within three years after completion.

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Panhandle lease adds a separate capacity commitment

In a related decision, the commission extended the Columbus & Ohio River Rail Road lease on the state-owned Panhandle line by 25 years, through June 30, 2062.

In return, the railroad committed to building approximately 67,000 track feet of additional capacity. About 32,000 track feet are due by the end of 2032 and a further 35,000 by the end of 2037, with the planned investments valued at up to $26 million.

The grant decisions authorize financial assistance for the four projects; the infrastructure remains subject to the individual construction and completion schedules.