Line 12 – Midland Subdivision (RailAmerica) In October 2004

Line 12 – Midland Subdivision (RailAmerica)
In October 2004, RailAmerica completed the acquisition of Line 12, the 107-mile Midland
Subdivision, from CSX Transportation. The line runs between Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio
and is operated as part of the Indiana & Ohio Central Railroad. The line begins where it
connects with Line 14, less than a mile west of SR 315 on the west side of Columbus. It runs
southwest through Grove City and Harrisburg, extending approximately 23 miles through
Franklin, Pickaway and Madison Counties.
Line 12 is a branchline railroad with one mainline track and a maximum operating speed of 40
mph. Traffic is directed by means of train orders, the least sophisticated signalization system.
Due to the moderate volume of rail traffic on Line 12 it appears unlikely that the entire ROW
could become available for other purposes in the near future.
Noteworthy Features of the Corridor
Although RailAmerica purchased 107 miles of railroad from Cincinnati, Ohio to
Columbus, Ohio, they continue to lease the real estate from CSX. RailAmerica
anticipates moving approximately 19,000 carloads annually over the line. Major
customers on the line are Cargill, Sabina Farmer's Exchange, Lowe's and
Weyerhaeuser. Primary commodities shipped on the line are agricultural & farm
products, chemicals, and paper products.
Availability of Railroad for Additional Transportation Modes
Most of the segments along Line 12 contain less than 30 feet of excess ROW. This
situation occurs because the standard ROW width along the line is 60 feet, creating only
24 feet of excess ROW (whereas most local rail lines were laid out with 66 feet of ROW
for one mainline track). Unless clearance requirements can be modified, there is little
chance that Line 12 could be used for additional transportation modes requiring 30 feet
of ROW.
The development of additional transportation modes is also restricted by the presence of
constraints along the line. A large number of constraints are concentrated between
Mound Street and Briggs Road. Several industrial, commercial, and residential buildings
exist near or on the ROW boundary in this area, restricting the possible use of adjacent
property. This situation creates a significant constraint because the lack of excess ROW
along the line necessitates the use of adjacent property for additional transportation
development. There also exists a relatively large number of railroad bridges,
underpasses, sidings, and at-grade highway crossings occur throughout the line. The
combination of all these constraints severely limits possible development along the line.
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Figure 12.a: Line 12, Franklin County Alignment and Crossings
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Figure 12.b: Line 12, Franklin County Land Use
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Figure 12.c: Line 12, Pickaway and Madison Counties
Alignment and Crossings
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Figure 12.d: Line 12, Pickaway and Madison Counties Land Use
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