CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: November 13, 2013

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Ribbon Cut on Safer Access Road to State Forest in Beacon Falls

      State transportation and environmental protection officials today joined State Rep. Theresa W. Conroy and other state and local representatives to cut a ribbon and officially open an access road to Naugatuck State Forest, adjacent to an active railroad line, in Beacon Falls.

      “This access road has been made much safer for hikers and others, with the addition of guiderail and fencing, as well as appropriate warning signs about the proximity of the railroad,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker. “This is another case in which we listened to local concerns and responded.”

      The access road is Cold Spring Road, and this section of the Naugatuck State Forest is known locally as High Rock Park. DOT forces installed more than 3,000 feet of guiderail at the site and erected 10 signs cautioning users to stay clear of the railroad tracks. The cost was about $16,000. The road was closed earlier this year because of safety concerns. The Naugatuck State Forest is maintained by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.

      State Rep. Conroy praised the DOT and DEEP for coordinating the project, adding, “Within days of our meeting with them, they were out there installing the guiderail and signs. It’s fantastic that they were so quick to act on our concerns. We have tried to balance safety with the recreational needs of the community and I think we’ve done just that.”

      “DEEP is grateful to DOT for replacing the bridge across Spruce Brook, which allows fisherman, hikers and kayakers access to the forest and the Naugatuck River for important recreational opportunities,” said Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen.  “Reopening Cold Spring Road will also allow emergency responders quicker access to the forest from Beacon Falls, which could be very important in the event of an emergency.”