EATON — During their Wednesday, June 9 meeting, the Preble County Board of Commissioners met with representatives from the Norfolk Southern Railroad Corporation regarding the railroad’s current large infrastructure projects. These include extending some sidings to accommodate all trains — and permanently closing some rural crossings in the county.
According to Norfolk Southern officials, the railroad is looking to extend the siding outside of Campbellstown. The project would consist of constructing two 15,000 feet sidings.
A siding is a short stretch of railroad track used to store rolling stock or enable trains on the same line to pass.
Railroad officials said the project involves closing crossings on Oxford-Gettysburg Road, Daily Road and Conely Road. These proposed closures would be permanent. Toby Road is a possible closing as well, but is not necessary according to railroad officials. Norfolk Southern is not opposed to installing new farm crossings if needed.
During the meeting, Norfolk Southern presented traffic counts on the crossings proposed for closure. Based on their traffic counts, Daily Road saw 46 cars a day and Conley Road, 37 cars per day. Based on the information presented, Oxford-Gettysburg Road is the busiest, with over 300 vehicles per day.
Railroad activity is governed by federal law, but Norfolk Southern is looking for the county’s feedback on the proposed project.
No action was taken during the meeting. County commissioners are researching the county’s options and seeking input.
In other business
The board received their quarterly report from the Preble County Convention & Visitors Bureau Board.
Further discussion was set aside for a temporary permit notification form from the Preble County Pork Festival regarding a possible beer garden at the festival.
The board noted receipt of a certificate of estimated property tax revenue regarding the 1.5-mill replacement levy with an increase for a five year term.
The board signed child placement agreements with South Community Inc. in the amount of $15,000 for Children Services, with Krown Solutions, increasing the amount to $50,000 for Children Services, and with Adriel School, Inc. for $18,000 for Children Services.
The board signed an online parenting classes agreement with AJ Novick Group, Inc. for $3,500, for JFS.
The board signed a barn storage restoration agreement with Shively Contracting for the Health Department in the amount of $37,900 – from coronavirus relief funds.
The Preble County Board of Commissioners meet every Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Preble County Courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.
