Pinsly, R.J. Corman, Transtar, W&LE Land ORDC Grants (UPDATED)

(R.J. Corman Railroad Company Photograph)

The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) has awarded rehabilitation project grants totaling more than $2.89 million to Pinsly Railroad Company’s Camp Chase Railway (CAMY), R.J. Corman Railroad Company’s Western Ohio Lines, Transtar’s East Ohio Valley Railway (EOVR), and Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (W&LE).

Pinsly’s 15-mile CAMY will receive $654,410.65 to help with line rehabilitation from Galloway, where it interchanges with CSX and Norfolk Southern, to Lilly Chapel, Ohio, including the reconstruction of three at-grade crossings, according to ORDC, an independent commission of the Ohio Department of Transportation that funds grade crossing safety improvements and provides grants, loans, and other assistance to help rehabilitate light density branch lines on short lines and regionals, and to assist businesses locating or expanding in the state with rail spurs and other rail infrastructure, among other rail-related efforts. ORDC will also support rehab work on two segments of R.J. Corman’s Western Ohio Lines with a $1,230,025 grant; the update of four private, at-grade crossings at Transtar’s EOVR with a $255,000 grant; and the construction of new siding track on W&LE’s River Subdivision in Rayland (Jefferson County) with a $750,000 grant.

CAMY

The CAMY project is estimated to cost more than $1.3 million. With the majority of the short line’s customers located closer to Columbus, the western portion of the line was for many years used solely for railcar storage, according to ORDC. More recently, CAMY has been using a siding near Lilly Chapel to transload high-and-wide loads—primarily large equipment for electrical utility use throughout the central Ohio region—and handles several such loads per month. Its project is slated to “improve track conditions to FRA Class I condition and help preserve this portion of the CAMY for future revenue service opportunities,” ORDC reported. Additionally, because the Camp Chase Trail is directly adjacent to CAMY for much of its length, tie replacement and rehab work will also improve safety for trail users, the government agency said. Three at-grade crossings in the project limits—at Galloway Road, Darby Creek Drive, and Jefferson Street—will also be reconstructed. CAMY was acquired in 2023 by Pinsly Railroad Company, formerly known as Gulf & Atlantic Railways, LLC.

“Whenever we can assist our rail partners with projects that improve their existing infrastructure for businesses in Ohio and also make improvements to at-grade crossings that benefit the traveling public and increase safety, it’s a win for all involved,” said Matthew Dietrich, ORDC Executive Director.

“With deep gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ohio Rail Development Commission for their invaluable support in funding the Camp Chase Railroad’s Rail Rehabilitation Program,” added Todd Marklin, Vice President of Engineering at Pinsly Railroad Company.

R.J. Corman Western Ohio Lines

At R.J. Corman, the Greenville and the Spencerville-Elgin (SPEG) segments of the Western Ohio Lines will be rehabbed as part of a $2.4 million-plus project. The 20-mile SPEG begins in Lima and extends to Elgin in southeastern Van Wert County. Work along this segment comprises six miles of track rehabilitation. The 12-mile Greenville segment connects Greenville with a CSX interchange in Ansonia. Work on this segment spans eight miles and includes the replacement of ties, distribution of ballast, and surfacing, according to ORDC. “Completion of this project will result in slow orders being lifted and the restoration of FRA Class II conditions on the portion of the Spencerville-Elgin and Greenville lines,” ORDC reported. “MP 7-12 of the Greenville Line is yard limits and will remain at FRA Class I condition.”

“By improving the rail infrastructure, we are not only positively leveraging railroad investment but also improving lines that are needed to continue to serve the customers who depend on it,” Matthew Dietrich said. “This project is an excellent example of positive economic impacts while also enhancing safety.”

“We are grateful for the continued partnership with the ORDC as we continue to make investments in our rail network,” said William Downey, Director Government Affairs at R.J. Corman. “Safety is our top priority, and these funds allow us to upgrade our infrastructure and better serve the needs of our customers as we continue to provide safe and reliable freight transportation.”

EOVR

The EOVR project is estimated to cost $510,000. The short line operates 12.2 miles between Milepost 60.5 near Powhatan Point and Milepost 72.7 near Hannibal, and serves the Hannibal Industrial Park and Long Ridge Energy Complex near Hannibal. On June 1, EOVR will begin leasing 18 miles of track from Norfolk Southern (NS) between Powhatan Point and Bellaire.

“From the late 1950s to 2013, an aluminum smelting and processing plant was located on the site of the present-day Hannibal Industrial Park and Long Ridge Energy Terminal,” ORDC reported. “Since closing, the site has been redeveloped. Hannibal Industrial Park is owned by the Monroe County Port Authority and hosts a variety of steel and energy-related industries. Long Ridge Energy Complex consists of a recently constructed 485-megawatt power plant and loop track used by EOVR as a transload site. EOVR plans on pursuing additional development opportunities between Powhatan Point and Bellaire upon commencement of the lease with NS. The project involves the complete reconstruction of four at-grade crossings, two of which serve Hannibal Industrial Park and two that serve Long Ridge Energy Terminal. They provide the sole public access (including a large percentage of trucks) for these two rail-served facilities. Track conditions would be substantially improved by the grade crossing reconstruction project as the track structure would be completely rebuilt with new panelized track.”

“East Ohio Valley Railway is extremely grateful for the support of the Ohio Rail Development Commission, which supports safety and efficiency on Transtar’s newest railroad,” said Jonathan G. Carnes, President and CEO of Transtar. “We are excited to partner with the ORDC going forward to enhance economic growth in eastern Ohio.”

W&LE

The River Subdivision of W&LE, Railway Age’s 2024 Regional of the Year, connects the railroad’s operations in the Steubenville area with a CSX interchange near Bellaire in Benwood, W.Va. According to ORDC, W&LE anticipates an additional 3,700 carloadings to be generated from subdivision customers in 2024. Presently, the regional serves customers on the River Subdivision out of Mingo Yard, and must shuttle 12 miles between Rayland and Mingo Yard in Mingo Junction. The construction of the siding near Rayland—estimated to cost more than $1.5 million—will add 81 car spots and “enhance service efficiency for customers who are investing in expanding their on-site rail infrastructure and increasing volume of rail shipments,” ORDC reported. “This in turn allows W&LE to dedicate additional car spots in Mingo Yard for Steubenville-area customers who are also increasing their rail volume.”

“On behalf of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway, we want to thank the Commission for the ongoing support with approval on this siding creation project,” said Nick Strub, P.E. Project Engineer. “This project will allow us to continue efficient customer service to the many Ohio businesses along the Ohio River. In addition, it will create much needed capacity to accommodate the expected increases in car moves, with both new and existing business growth.”