The Butler County Engineer’s Office is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded grant funding from the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) for a railroad grade crossing elimination as part of the estimated $3.1 million Cedar Grove Connector project in St. Clair Township. This significant investment aims to improve safety and traffic flow for the 215 homes in the Cedar Grove subdivision, which have been consistently isolated when the railroad crossings are occupied by slowed or stopped Norfolk Southern (NS) trains.
Butler County Engineer Greg Wilkens said, “We are extremely grateful to the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) for their generous grant to help fund the Cedar Grove Connector project. This project will ensure the safety and convenience of the Cedar Grove subdivision residents and provide crucial access for first responders during a stopped train. Without the ORDC, this much-needed project would not have been possible.”
The Federal Rail Administration deemed the project ineligible for federal funding. However, with the recent allocation of a new state budget specifically dedicated to grade crossing eliminations, the ORDC has generously contributed 90 percent of the financing, matching Butler County’s 10 percent investment commitment to support this vital project. This partnership between Butler County and the ORDC, along with the support of NS, exemplifies their commitment to enhancing the safety of our community members.
The Cedar Grove Connector will likely be constructed in 2026.
