The NOACA Governing Board approved the following project as a candidate to be amended to the NOACA Transportation Plan and in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) by adopting Resolution No. 2004-029 on June 11, 2004.
Title: Railroad Grade Separation at SR-58 and CSX, in Wellington Village
Sponsor: ODOT-District 3
Estimated Total Cost: $11,069,299
Proposed Source of Federal Funds: ODOT
History/Background:
The SR-58 CSX railroad crossing is listed in Tier II 2004 – 2007 List (Projects identified for further Development) of ODOT’s Railroad Grade Separation Program. The crossing is also identified in NOACA’s Lorain County Railroad Crossroads Ranking Study, dated October 2000. It is ranked third as a candidate for grade separation priority along the high train volume mainlines that resulted from the breakup of Conrail whose assets were acquired by either CSX or Norfolk Southern railroad in Lorain County.
Current Conditions:
SR-58 (North Main Street), in Wellington Village is a two-lane road, functionally classified as a rural minor arterial. The land use alongside the road near the railroad is a mixture of commercial and residential. The average daily traffic (ADT) on SR-58 of 10,370 vehicles per day with eight percent (8%) trucks. The CSX railroad crossing has two tracks with approximately 54 trains crossing per day. According to the ranking study, there was a total two (2) accidents within one mile of the crossing from 1996 – 1998. Also, there are no proximate, alternate routes for emergency access. There is an EMS and school nearby with direct access to or on SR-58.
Proposed Project:
The proposed project involves preparation of the feasibility study in order to design and construct a railroad grade separation on SR-58, 0.13 mile north of SR-18 (Medina Norwalk Road) at the CSX railroad crossing. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $11,069,299 (Preliminary Engineering (PE) - $464,299; Right-of-Way (RW) - $2,300,000; Construction (C) - $8,305,000). The federal share will be funded through ODOT’s Railroad Grade Separation Program.
Staff Comment(Summary):
This project reflects ODOT’s “Access Ohio” Goal # 3 (Cooperative Planning Process and Transportation Efficiency) Policy Statement A 4 (developing evaluation criteria that establish priority among competing projects); and Goal #4 (Transportation Safety) Policy Statement B 1 (reducing the number of at-grade rail-highway grade crossings).
The project reflects NOACA’s Transportation Plan (Framework For Action 2025 Update) Goal #2 (Conserving Transportation System Energy); and Goal #3 (Preserve and Improve the Efficiency and Safety of the Existing Transportation System; Goal #10 fostering the improvement in the quality of life of residents in the region.
Although this railroad crossing is one of the two highest scored in Wellington Village (the other is at SR-18), a grade separation could sever parts of the Village center. If the plan is to provide unimpeded RR traffic on the NS line, it may come at a cost to historic communities like Wellington. The project’s design should reflect the historic nature of the community.
As a Tier II project ODOT can conduct an initial screening and develop a strategy to construct grade separations that will minimally affect existing development (i.e. a feasibility study).
Advance to Committee and public review with the understanding that the sponsor will make a good-faith effort to address questions and comments.
Intergovernmental Review (IGR):
Public Involvement:
Committee Review:
Regional Transportation Investment Subcommittee/Transportation Advisory Committee:
No comments; recommended for amendment to NOACA’s Transportation Plan and TIP.
Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC):
The BAC recommends a 10' multipurpose path be installed on both sides between the intersections of Clay and Kelly and Depot and Elm.
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