Press Release

PUC Concludes Investigation of Piney Branch Railroad Crossings in Jefferson, Clarion Counties

Published on 9/15/2006

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to abolish 23 unsafe former railroad crossings along the abandoned Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad Inc., Piney Branch, in Jefferson and Clarion counties.

By the final order approved today, the Commission directed work to abolish the 23 crossings, including 18 railroad bridges, three highway bridges and two at-grade crossings, to be performed, maintained and paid for by owner Kovalchick Corp./Texas and Oklahoma Railroad Co.

In rail-highway crossing cases, the guiding principle for PUC action is the public interest – ensuring and promoting the protection, safety, convenience and welfare of the traveling public.  The PUC is authorized to determine how railroad crossing should be constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, protected, suspended or abolished, and to assess the costs of any improvements to the responsible parties.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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 Docket No. I-00000085

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  717-787-5722