Create emergency vehicle access routes across railroads

Source of recordOhio · legislature.ohio.govLast synced Sep 1, 2026

Chamber

House

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
To Governor
Became Law

Overview

This bill creates designated access routes across railroad tracks for emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks. It requires railroad companies to ensure their equipment doesn't obstruct these routes and establishes a process for fines and penalties if obstructions occur. The bill also creates a fund to improve railroad grade crossings and clarifies when obstructions are permissible, such as during normal switching operations or due to unavoidable circumstances.

Key provisions

Designates public streets as ‘designated access routes’ for emergency vehicles.
Requires railroad companies to prevent their equipment from obstructing these routes.
Establishes a system for fines and penalties for obstructing designated access routes.
Creates a railroad grade crossing improvement fund to be used for crossing safety improvements.
Specifies circumstances when railroad obstructions are permitted (e.g., mechanical failure, moving equipment).
Requires railroad equipment to be moved after obstruction periods to allow passage.
Defines ‘political subdivision’ for the purpose of establishing access routes.
Creates a process for charging railroad companies with violations.