Connecticut crossing gets safety improvements

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Safety improvements, including the installation of vehicular traffic gates and warning lights, have been completed at a private railroad crossing in the Springdale neighborhood of Stamford where there have been several accidents in recent years involving vehicles striking trains.

 

The River Bend crossing is on the New Canaan Branch of the New Haven commuter rail line, which is owned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and operated by Metro-North Railroad.

The safety improvements include the installation of new flashing lights and gates to block vehicular traffic when a train is going through. Some 41 trains use the crossing each day, operating at a maximum speed of 40 mph. Previously, the crossing had flashing warning lights and bells, but no gates.

“This is a great example of the state, the city and a private developer working together to enhance safety for motorists and railroad commuters,” said CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “Even though this crossing is privately owned, we listened to local concerns and agreed to take action.”

The safety enhancement project began April 9 and the crossing was reopened on May 6.

The cost of the improvements was $1.27 million, with the city paying $250,000, River Bend Center Development paying $350,000 and CTDOT paying the balance, or roughly half the total.

As part of the project, Metro-North excavated the roadway on each side of the crossing to replace the existing rail and installed a new rubber crossing surface. During the road excavation, Metro-North also installed two underground duct banks, which were needed to run the electrical wiring for the new lights and vehicular gates. The new duct banks will also allow for future upgrades of the New Canaan Branch without excavating the road again.

 

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