VALLEY RAILROAD COMPANY ASKS RESIDENTS TO HELP KEEP TRACKS SAFE

(ESSEX, CT) August 26, 2013 - The Valley Railroad Company, for 42 years the operator of the popular Essex Steam Train & Riverboat excursion along the Connecticut River, is asking residents that if they “see something, say something,” borrowing the term from the Connecticut Department of Transportation's current campaign to increase safety in transportation venues. The Valley Railroad Company is asking for local residents to report any trespassing, vandalism or vehicular activity upon the railroad to local authorities and the Company in order to keep train operations as safe as possible.

“A recent increase in pedestrian and ATV trespassers along the active track from Old Saybrook to Haddam has us concerned that people are not aware of the potential harm they are placing themselves in by being on the operating track or bridges” said Robert Bradway, the Company's Vice President of Track and Property.

Railbed erosion caused by ATVs, vandalism and theft of railroad property, and objects placed upon the track have the railroad working closely with local police authorities to reduce trespassing on the tracks. State and Federal statutes, according to Bradway, consider active railroad tracks private property and police are empowered to issue citations for trespassing upon the track.

Railroad maintenance employees have been installing “No Trespassing” signs at particularly problematic locations, and stopping to speak with people they find on the track about the safety ramifications caused by them being upon the rails. They are finding the public very responsive to the message, according to Bradway. The Valley Railroad Company has a strong history of working with authorities and local businesses to keep railroad crossings safe, and to help motorists understand their responsibilities when crossing tracks. From handing out safety material to people who work near the tracks, to holding safety seminars for residents, the Valley Railroad Company has always worked hard to spread knowledge about the importance of safety on and around the railroad.

“Safety is the first word in any railroader's Book of Rules. We are asking residents to help us continue to be safe by being safe themselves near the railroad” says Bradway. “Should you see something and need to say something, the railroad can be reached at (860) 767-0103.” Mr. Bradway can be reached directly at (860) 964-3422 for concerns about railroad crossings. Immediate safety concerns such as vandalism or vehicular trespassing should be reported to police.