Essex Steam Train to hold safety seminar

ESSEX— In response to a recent uptick in dangerous behaviors near rail lines, the Essex Steam Train will be hosting a railroad safety seminar at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Essex Station. The purpose of this event is to educate the public about railroad safety and precautions that should be taken near active rail lines, according to a release.

According to themuseum, 2019 has already seen an increase in dangerous behaviors near the rails that run between Essex Station and Eagle Landing State Park than in previous years.“While the Essex Steam Train encourages local youth to enjoy the niceweather nowthat classes have ended, recent behaviors such as riding bikes on the rail lines and diving from rail bridges into local creeks are extremely hazardous. The Essex Steam Train is committed to protecting our youth, andwant to educate its neighbors about staying safe near the rails,” members said in a statement.

“TheValley Railroad has been a part of the Essex community for over almost 50 years, we are proud to have great neighbors andwe want to do our part to ensure everyone is enjoying a safe summer,” said Kevin Dodd, president of the Essex Steam Train& Riverboat. “Rail safety is our number one priority. I hope that this seminar will equip parents with the knowledge they need to ensure their children are staying safe near the rails.”

This seminar will be hosted in partnershipwith Operation Lifesaver, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing the public with rail safety education and ending death and injuries due to collisions on the tracks. This event is free to the public. For more information about Operation Lifesaver and for additional rail safety information, visit https://oli.org/aboutus

Owned and operated by the Valley Railroad Company, the Essex Steam Train& Riverboat is a unique historic attraction in the Connecticut RiverValley. The railroad has transported people in Connecticut since 1868, and the Valley Railroad Company has operated today'swellknown train and riverboat for over 40 years.

The Essex Steam Train& Riverboat offers excursions through the unspoiled Connecticut RiverValley, a place designated as "one of the last great places on earth" by the Nature Conservancy. The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches through the quintessentialNew England towns of Deep River and Chester, and the Becky Thatcher riverboat takes visitors past the undeveloped SeldenNeck State Park on itsway to EastHaddam. Various ecoexcursions, family outings, and themed events are offered throughout the year.

For information, visit www.essexsteamtrain.com. Follow the Essex Steam Train& Riverboat on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ essexsteamtrain