Norfolk Southern Railroad Improvements

Bids were received by Norfolk & Southern for the proposed new bridge on July 14, 2026. The low bidder, Kraemer North America of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has been awarded the contract in the amount of $12,406,224. Total project costs including construction, inspection and administration are estimated to be $15,100,000. Construction will begin in March of 2027. The project is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2028.

The Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge crosses the Blanchard River west of Cory Street. The current bridge was constructed in the early 1900’s and serves as a barrier to waterflow when the river level rises above the riverbank. The project proposes to build a new bridge which will raise the bottom of the bridge and increase the span of the bridge from 150 feet to 300 feet. The new bridge span is expected to reduce flood levels by 0.5 feet at Main Street during a 100-year storm event.

Funding will be provided by a combination of sources: the 0.25% Hancock County sales tax for flood mitigation ($5,000,000 has been committed), a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) RAISE Grant in the amount of $7,100,000, and a $4,600,000 commitment from the City of Findlay.