Explanation
Background: The Transportation Division has received complaints about existing conditions at the Norfolk Southern railroad grade crossing at New World Drive. The absence of street lighting at this crossing makes it difficult for motorist and pedestrian traffic to see approaching trains. The problem is exacerbated by railroad cars that are sometimes stored adjacent to the crossing; this makes it difficult to determine whether railroad rolling stock is moving, especially at night. This crossing has no active warning devices and because of low train traffic volume (two trains daily) does not qualify for federal funding for active devices at this time.
The Division anticipates that New World Drive traffic will increase significantly in the next year. A task force is working to reduce and possibly eliminate heavy truck traffic on Watkins road west of the rail yard. Preliminary plans are to increase the turn radius at the New World Drive/Watkins Road intersection and install a traffic signal on New World Drive where it intersects with Alum Creek Drive to provide for easier truck access to IR-70 via Alum Creek Drive. A significant increase in school bus traffic is foreseen in the area as the Columbus Public School District will soon re-open a "swing school" and build an adjacent new school on Watkins Road.
The immediate goal is to provide better lighting at the grade crossing. To this end, the Transportation Division applied to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for grant assistance to install street lighting. This grant application has been accepted by PUCO and they will provide $5,000.00 for this purpose. The Electricity Division will install two streetlights at the crossing and indefinitely maintain and provide power to these lights. This ordinance authorizes the Public Service Director to execute the grant agreement with the PUCO. It also appropriates $5,000.00 within the General Government Grant Fund and authorizes its ex...
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