AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES -- HIV/AIDS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Authorizes an at-grade pedestrian/bicycle crossing over the Housatonic Railroad in Newtown, with safety measures, DOT/rail coordination, and shared maintenance and liability.

06/26/2025 Effective without Governor's signature

Summary — HB 5348 (2025)

Title: AN ACT CONCERNING A RAILROAD CROSSING FOR PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS TO CROSS THE HOUSATONIC RAILROAD AT GRADE
Introduced: March 14, 2025 | Classification: Bill | Subject: Bicycles, Newtown, Pedestrians, Railroad crossings and bridges
Current status (as of May 12, 2025): Placed on General State Calendar

Purpose and intent

HB 5348 proposes to authorize or establish an at‑grade railroad crossing specifically for pedestrians and bicyclists where they would cross the Housatonic Railroad in Newtown, Connecticut. The bill’s primary intent is to create a legal, planned crossing that improves nonmotorized access and connectivity while addressing safety and regulatory considerations associated with crossing active railroad tracks.

Key provisions (based on bill title and subject)

The bill text is not provided in the materials supplied. From the bill’s title and subject headings, its core elements are likely to include one or more of the following:
- Authorization for construction or establishment of an at‑grade pedestrian/bicycle crossing across the Housatonic Railroad in Newtown.
- Direction to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), the municipality of Newtown, and/or the railroad owner/operator to coordinate design, permitting and construction.
- Requirements for safety measures (for example, signage, pavement markings, warning devices, gates, or sightline improvements) and compliance with federal/state railroad crossing standards.
- Provisions addressing maintenance responsibilities, liability and indemnification between the municipality, state agencies, and the railroad.
- ADA accessibility requirements and design standards for pedestrian and bicycle use.

Note: Because the bill text was not supplied, the above items describe common components such legislation typically addresses rather than verbatim bill language.

Who would be affected

Pedestrians and bicyclists in Newtown (improved access and route options).

Town of Newtown (planning, potential local costs or maintenance obligations).

Connecticut DOT and state agencies (coordination, permitting, possible funding/oversight).

Housatonic Railroad (operational/safety requirements and liability considerations).

Local residents and nearby property owners (changes in traffic patterns, safety, construction impacts).

Legislative progress and next steps

Referred to Joint Committee on Transportation: Jan 16, 2025

Filed: Mar 14, 2025; Read first time and referred to Natural Resources: Apr 7, 2025

Public hearing on Apr 30, 2025 (testimony/registrations recorded); left pending same day

Committee reported favorably without amendment: May 2, 2025; report filed/distributed May 8

Placed on the General State Calendar: May 12, 2025

Next likely steps: floor consideration by the originating chamber (House), followed—if passed—by consideration in the other chamber and, ultimately, presentation to the Governor if enacted.

For the authoritative bill text and updates, consult the Connecticut General Assembly website (bill tracking for HB 5348).