State Senator Martin and Representative-elect Petit Discuss Rail Safety with Local Officials

December 28, 2016

After the December 18 car vs. train accident on Broad Street in Plainville, state legislators have reached out to town officials about the incident and what can be done to improve safety.

Sen. Henri Martin (R-31) said Plainville Police Chief Matthew Catania and Town Manager Robert Lee, who is also the town’s Commissioner of Public Safety, are pursuing possible safety improvements at all of the town’s rail crossing.

“It’s no surprise that Plainville officials are on top of this issue and are actively pursuing increased safety measures to protect town residents,” Sen. Martin said.

Rep-elect William Petit (R-22) agreed, “I spoke to Chief Catania and Mr. Lee and they are exploring all avenues available both through the state Department of Transportation and the railroad company.”

Sen. Martin and Rep.-elect Petit said that while accidents have been a rarity at the Broad Street crossing, Pan Am Railway said it has increased the number of trains traveling in the area. Also, the cargo carried by the trains is usually lumber or odorless fuel.

“We would rather not see a derailment like the one earlier this month in New Britain that closed Columbus Boulevard,” Sen. Martin said.

“We have confidence town officials will ensure the right safety improvements will be made,” Rep.-elect Petit said.