First Selectman's Town Update: June 11, 2014

First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker sent Patch the following update on road closures around town:

Railroad Crossing

The Greenwood Avenue closure was discussed with the Connecticut Dept. of Transportation last week the town requested that this intersection remain open until after the July 4th holiday.  By that time school would be out for the summer and vacation season begun, minimizing traffic disruption.  The ConnDOT traffic engineer explained that since this work is being done under a state DOT and Federal Railroad Administration "emergency declaration" to restore normal rail service, and since multiple work crews are scheduled to work in a specific sequence at several grade crossings along the line, the date of the Greenwood closure can not be changed.  The crossing will be closed for six days beginning this Friday, June 13th following the morning rush.

ConnDOT will reimburse Bethel for all police overtime costs related to traffic control during the closure.  The police have a traffic plan in place and will have additional resources standing by if needed.   In addition, Bethel requested, and will receive, multiple signs notifying drivers that all downtown businesses remain open during the closure.

Walnut Hill Bridge

Final paving is scheduled at the end of the week, weather permitting.  We will inform the community when the contractor's supervising engineer releases an opening date. 

Matthew S. Knickerbocker
First Selectman
Clifford J. Hurgin
Municipal Center
1 School Street
Bethel, CT  06801
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The following was sent by Susan Pare, Bethel Board of Education:

Greenwood Ave Railroad Crossing 6/13 -6/19

Buses may run a little later than usual due to Greenwood Ave. Railroad Crossing detour June 13th – June 19th.

The Connecticut DOT will be working on the railroad crossing on Greenwood Avenue.  This work is being done on a "declaration of emergency" and the scheduled dates of the work cannot be changed.

Therefore, the railroad crossing on Greenwood Avenue will be closed beginning this Friday, June 13th and possibly be closed through Thursday June 19th. 

All traffic, including school buses, will be routed around this closure. Again, buses may run a little later than usual due to the detour June 13th – June 19th.

Susan Paré

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools