CT DOT to begin replacement of railroad crossing on state road in July; project will require detour

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin replacement of a railroad crossing on a state road next month and it will require a detour for motorists, according to the agency.

The replacement of the railroad crossing on Route 6, also known as Farmington Avenue, in Bristol, is anticipated to take place in mid-July, according to the agency.

“The existing railroad crossing, located on Route 6 near the intersection of Route 69 (or Burlington Avenue) is being completely replaced with all-new materials to enhance safety, provide a smooth passage for motorists, as well as ensuring the long-term viability of freight rail service in the region,” the state agency said in a statement.

The DOT noted that the replacement of the railroad crossing will require a vehicle detour for about three days during the construction. Further, pedestrians and those riding bicycles “will still be able to cross through a designated area and will not be detoured,” according to the agency.

“Posted State Highway detours will utilize Routes 229, 72, and 69 to bypass the construction site,” the state agency said in the statement. “Motorists and Commercial Vehicle Operators are required to utilize posted detour routes to avoid local streets and low underpasses.”

The businesses on Route 6 will be accessible during the construction project. according to DOT.

“This is an important project that ensures the rail crossing is safe for freight operators and the public. We appreciate the public’s patience during construction this summer and ask them to follow the posted detour routes to ensure safe travel,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer said.

Connecticut’s freight transportation system is a large interconnected system of roads, highways, air
services, ports, and waterways that connect the state with the rest of the United States and the world.
In 2019, $110.5 billion in direct outbound, inbound, and intraregional freight was moved on
Connecticut’s freight network. Such direct freight sales are associated with 451,100 direct regional jobs,
almost 20 percent of the state’s economy. These jobs earn $36.5 billion in income.

The DOT said the railroad crossing at Maple Avenue also would be replaced as part of the project

“Only one railroad crossing will be closed at any given time,” the statement noted. “This work – funded through a CTDOT Rail Freight Improvement Program (RFIP) grant – is being performed in coordination between the CTDOT, City of Bristol, first responders, bus and transit providers, and Berkshire and Eastern Railroad,” which owns the freight rail line.

More information, including the complete detour route, will be released when the construction date is finalized, according to DOT. Anyone with questions can contact the CTDOT Customer Care Center at (860) 594-3062 or DOT.CustomerCare@ct.gov.