(The Associated Press circulated the following on October 9.)
STRATFORD, Conn. — The state has finished construction on an 8-foot high security fence along a stretch of Metro-North Railroad tracks where three men have been killed by trains this year.
The chain link fence brings some relief to those living about 100 yards from where all three men were struck and killed. Neighbors said they’ve watched hundreds of other people nearly killed trying to cross to the other side.
“They finished the fence on Friday and it’s about time they did something,” said David Jalbert. “We have seen so many close calls over the years, it’s a miracle no one was killed until this year.”
Town officials say said many people use the tracks as a shortcut to get to a diner, liquor store and motel on the other side.
The new fence spans 2,500 feet on the north side of the tracks. The state Department of Transportation owns the railroad property. DOT officials said the fence includes a one-inch mesh that is difficult to climb or cut through.