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On May 11, 2022, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) approved a grant award in the amount of $613,898, matched by Ashland Railway (ASRY) at $613,898, for a total project investment of $1,227,796. The necessary rehabilitation work will take place in two distinct phases. The first phase will consist of replacement of five turnouts (four on the lead track and one on the adjacent main line.) During the second phase, ASRY will complete tie replacement, ballast installation, and surfacing work.
ASRY owns and operates 56 miles of track in Richland, Ashland, Wayne, and Huron counties. Traffic is interchanged with Norfolk Southern in Mansfield, Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway in Plymouth, and CSX in Willard. The Ashland Lead track serves three customers in the Ashland Business Park: Origo, Liquibox, and Packaging Corporation of America. Combined, these customers employ 435 people in Ashland County.
Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the ORDC, said, “this project is an excellent example of how investments in shortline railroads in the state have positive economic impacts on the region. By improving the rail infrastructure, ORDC is not only leveraging railroad investment but also improving the critical infrastructure needed to provide rail service to multiple companies in the area. ORDC is happy to continue to partner with ASRY in their rehabilitation efforts in Ohio.”
Bob Thompson, Division Engineer, Ashland Railway, said “ORDC’s contributions to Ashland Railway’s projects have enabled our teams to restore and improve spans of track that would otherwise be difficult to address due to the expenditures involved. The ORDC staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful throughout the application and project processes, ensuring professional project outcomes.”