Norfolk Southern/Conrail Rail Connection–Bucyrus, Ohio - Surface ...

CHAPTER 2
Alternative Actions Considered
This chapter outlines the alternatives considered for the proposed connection.
2.1 NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE
In its environmental review, SEA considered a “no-action” alternative. Under this alternative, current
operations would continue to move over existing NS and Conrail rail lines. However, as outlined
below, access between the two lines would be limited to existing connections, interchanges, or terminals.
If the “no-action” alternative were implemented, the proposed connection would not be constructed and
trains would not be rerouted. None of the potential environmental impacts associated with construction
would occur. However, neither would the benefits of the project be realized. According to NS, in the
absence of the proposed connection, trains traveling from Columbus, Ohio to eastern Ohio and western
Pennsylvania would have to go through Cleveland and Bellevue, Ohio a more circuitous (by
approximately 70 miles), rail-congested, and populated route. This alternative would not provide the
full operational, environmental and economic benefits, including added rail capacity and improved
service to shippers, possible through the proposed connection.
2.2 BUILD ALTERNATIVES
SEA identified no feasible alternatives to new construction for the Bucyrus site. The study team
considered variations of alignments; however, none were reasonable or technically feasible and were
not developed further as alternatives. Two build alternatives were further evaluated based on
consideration of the constraints unique to the proposed project area (Figure 2.1). A description of the
location of each alternative route follows.
Alternative A, the preferred connection, would diverge to the north-northeast from the existing
north/south NS rail line approximately 450 feet north of Woodlawn Avenue. Alternative A would cross
East Warren Street, resulting in an expanded grade crossing. Alternative A would continue to the
northeast and cross Rensselaer Street approximately 230 feet east of the existing NS grade crossing
(resulting in a new at-grade crossing). Alternative A would cross the property where the former T&OC
freight depot stands, curve to the northeast, pass through the Quinn Brothers Construction Company
yard, curve to the east and parallel the existing Conrail line for approximately 1,000 feet, and then
connect with the Conrail line 200 feet west of Whetstone Street. The former T&OC freight depot and
Quinn Brothers Construction Company one-story office building on the north side of Rensselaer Street
would be demolished. The construction company’s storage yard, where the office building is also
located, would be cleared. Alternative A would not require the removal or relocation of any residences.
An alternative alignment for the connection, Alternative B, is located southeast of the existing Conrail
and NS crossing and would encompass an area approximately 2,780 feet by 100 feet. It would diverge
from the existing north/south NS track about 400 feet south of Alternative A and about 50 feet north
of Woodlawn Avenue. As this alternative extends northeast, it would cross East Warren Street,
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