The city of Fairfield, Ohio, will spend approximately $42 million to eliminate two at-grade railroad crossings by building an overpass. The project is currently in the design phase. The construction date has not yet been released.
The at-grade rail crossings at Symmes Road and North Gilmore Road have been ranked among the most dangerous and congested crossings in the nation. Traffic is frequently disrupted, and the current design of the crossings pose significant hazards to drivers on a regular basis.
As the crossings currently stand, their existence impacts emergency response times and threatens public health. The construction of the overpass at Symmes Road and the closure of North Gilmore Road is essential to addressing these hazards, embracing mobility and safety simultaneously.
The city is determining a preferred alternative for the Symmes Road section of the project. While the current three alternatives possess varying design details, they all serve to accomplish the same goal of building a bridge that will safely carry vehicles over the railroad, removing the at-grade crossing. Common elements between the designs include improved safety at multiple intersections, the addition of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, additional road capacity and stormwater improvements.
The North Gilmore Road section has only a single feasible alternative being considered by the city. The project will close the road entirely to eliminate vehicle/train conflicts. Plans include building a cul-de-sac at the north approach to the railroad while realigning and merging the southern approach into a separate roadway.
Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels
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