45th District Update- Plainfield
On Wednesday, I was in Plainfield with First Selectman Kevin Cunningham, State Representative Anne Dauphinais, members from the Connecticut and United States Department of Transportation, along with railroad professionals from G & W and P & W Railroad, as a diagnostic review of the crossing on Lillibridge Road was performed.
The goal of this review was to determine how safety can be enhanced at this crossing following two major accidents at this location over the years. This was a thorough review of the crossing and everything was looked at from the conditions of the signs, how the sightline could be enhanced through pruning of vegetation, and even the roadsides themselves were looked at close to the crossing. Our railroad provides valuable resources across our country, however, we must make sure there is the highest degree of safety and Wednesday’s assessment was aimed at making Plainfield safer in this regard. With Lillibridge Road being an access to Route 12, whether it’s a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian, it is in everyone’s best interest that our railroad crossings are as safe as possible.
With that being said, there were upgrades to this crossing completed in May of 2020, including new lighting which took the place of the traditional 12-volt lights, along with a warning bell for pedestrians. Ultimately, an electric gate would be the ultimate upgrade and offer the most safety to our citizens traveling our roads. As the process moves forward, I along with Representative Dauphinais and Senator Somers, who have been working diligently on this matter, will be sure to keep you updated. I want to thank everyone who came together to discuss this vital safety issue.
