AN ACT CONCERNING A RAILROAD CROSSING FOR PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS TO CROSS THE HOUSATONIC RAILROAD AT GRADE.

HB 5348 requires the Connecticut Department of Transportation to install a pedestrian and bicycle crossing at grade (same level as tracks) over the Housatonic Railroad in Newtown. The bill directs the town of Newtown to cover all installation and maintenance costs, and amends state law to define the Housatonic Railroad as an "owner" under recreational use protections and include this crossing in the definition of "recreational purpose." It directly affects pedestrians, bicyclists, and the Housatonic Railroad, while excluding motor vehicles from using this specific crossing. The key change is creating a dedicated safe crossing point for non-motorized users at a specific location, with Newtown bearing the financial responsibility.