RAILROAD
GROUP ON FAST TRACK
SANDUSKY REGISTER
April 16, 2000
By: Carol Harper-Staff
Writer
Norwalk- Research
for railroad crossing signal improvements ends in August
if the Huron County group gathering data stays on schedule.
"We want to
move right along on it," Huron County Commissioner Terry
Boose said.
About 30 volunteers,
assigned to groups of three, document crossings by taking
eight to 10 photographs per crossing. They note characteristics
such as signals, crossbucks, speed limit, brush, trees and
other obstructions to view, and whether the tracks are built
higher than the roadway.
The railroad companies
agreed to provide accurate train counts, and the country
engineer's office began traffic counts, Huron County Emergency
Management Agency Director Bill Ommert said.
Also, the group
hopes to arrange for aerial photographs of each crossing,
said Ommert.
After documenting
the 123 railroad crossings in the county, the group prioritizes
crossings based on the need for safety improvements, Ommert
said.
This process normally
takes 12-18 months, according to the Angels on Track Foundation
founders. However, Huron County started in February and aims
to finish in August. By September, the group hoes to apply
for funding for crossing improvements through the Ohio Rail
Development Commission, the Public Utilities Commission of
Ohio, and the Angels on Track Foundation.
"It's a very
aggressive schedule,"
Ommert said. "We're trying to avoid a tragedy before it
happens. When you're talking 30 volunteers, that's a lot of
people who care. We're very fortunate in Huron County."
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