CTDOT Highlights See Tracks? Think Train Week 2025

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz today underscored the importance of rail crossing safety at a press conference in Wallingford to kick off See Tracks? Think Train Week 2025.

Held at the Wallingford Train Station, the annual event helps raise awareness to reduce collisions between trains and motor vehicles or pedestrians and prevent track tragedies.

"Every life lost on or near the tracks is a devastating tragedy for entire communities," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "With over 600 active rail crossings statewide, we all share the responsibility of staying alert and making safe choices."

About every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is struck by a train, with nearly 2,800 incidents and about 1,100 deaths each year. In 2024, there were 2,257 crossing collisions nationwide that caused 267 fatalities and 760 injuries, along with 802 trespass fatalities and 636 injuries.

In Connecticut in 2024, there were six vehicle-train collisions resulting in two injuries and no fatalities, and six pedestrian-train incidents that caused two injuries and four fatalities. Through Sept. 2, 2025, there have been 12 rail incidents in the state this year, including 10 pedestrian strikes, and 10 total fatalities.

CTDOT was also joined today by Wallingford Mayor Vincent Cervoni, Tracie McCain, Inspector for Amtrak Police's New England Division, State Sens. Christine Cohen, Tony Hwang, Paul Cicarella, and State Reps. Aimee Berger-Girvalo, and Kathy Kennedy. Governor Ned Lamont issued a special statement proclaiming September 15-21, 2025, as Rail Safety Week 2025 in Connecticut.

CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will also hold various events during Rail Safety Week 2025. Members of the media are encouraged to attend the following:

• Tuesday, September 16, Operation Clear Track: CTDOT, Operation Lifesaver, Amtrak, and local police in Meriden and Watertown will conduct rail crossing enforcement and education to promote safety and prevent trespassing.

• Wednesday, September 17, School Bus Crossing Safety: To highlight crossing safety, CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will distribute safety information to school bus drivers in Wallingford, West Hartford, New Haven, Bethel, Stamford, and New London.

• Thursday, September 18, Commuter Safety: To remind riders of safety around railroad tracks, CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will speak with commuters at New Haven Union Station, Bridgeport Station, and Stamford Transportation Center throughout the morning.

• Friday, September 19, CTtransit Day: Hand out event for CTtransit in Hartford, Hamden, Stamford, and Watertown.