Construction to improve safety and relieve congestion at two busy railroad crossings in Springdale and Fairfield should start sometime in 2003 and finish by fall 2004.

        The work involves building an underpass at one set of tracks on Princeton Pike (Ohio 747) in Springdale, and an underpass on Mulhauser Road in Fairfield.The same CSX railroad tracks cross both roads.

        “It is a major need, not only for the city of Springdale, but for this region,” said Cecil Osborn, Springdale city administrator. “747 is a major artery. Because of the number of trains that use this crossing, it is not uncommon for traffic to back up onto the interstate” (I-275) just south of the tracks.

        Emergency vehicles often get stuck in those traffic jams, officials said.

        Both projects are partially funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation's Rail Grade Separation Program, which is designed to ease congestion and improve safety at railroad crossings.

        Between 30,000 and 35,000 vehicles use 747 daily, while about 18,000 vehicles use Mulhauser Road, according to Mike Ciogola, ODOT rail grade separation program manager. About 72 trains use that track daily.

        Mr. Osborn said the work will involve relocating 747 as a four-lane road slightly to the east and cutting through the General Electric Park, and relocating the railroad tracks slightly to the north during construction.

        “That will free up the construction zone,” said Mr. Osborn. That zone will be just north of the I-275 ramps and just south of Crescentville Road.

        But there will still be a temporary railroad crossing located where the temporary stretch of 747 meets the tracks during construction, he said.

        The 747 underpass project will cost about $13 million, with about $4 million coming from ODOT, and $9 million coming from other sources, including Springdale and the railroad.

        The Mulhauser Road overpass project will cost $11.7 million, with ODOT providing $3.2 million and $8.5 million coming from other sources, said Mr. Ciogola.

        David Hoffman, construction services manager for Fairfield, said Mulhauser will be closed at the railroad tracks and detours will be posted. There will be no temporary road or railroad crossing.

        From 747, traffic will still be able to get as far as Northpointe Drive.

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