Part of Route 6 in Bristol will be closed to vehicles over the weekend while a railroad crossing is replaced.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation said work to replace the railroad crossing on Route 6, or Farmington Avenue, is scheduled to begin around 5 a.m. on Saturday.
The area near the rail crossing will be closed to all vehicular traffic for around 72 hours.
The existing railroad crossing on Route 6 near the intersection of Route 69 will be replaced.
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“Some of the benefits will be enhancing the overall safety, provide really a smooth passageway for motorists, as well as ensuring the long-term viability of the freight rail service throughout that region," said Benjamin Limmer, bureau chief of public transportation for the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
A detour will be set up for vehicles, but bicyclists and pedestrians will be able to cross through a designated area and will not be detoured.
The DOT said all businesses on Route 6 will be accessible during construction.
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“There are a lot of businesses in that area that want you to still go there. Please keep in mind that it is going to be congested and a difficult time,” Bristol Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano said.
Detours will be posted on Routes 69, 72, and 229 to bypass the construction site.
Drivers, as well as commercial vehicle operators, will need to use the detours to avoid local streets and low underpasses.
“Give yourself extra time. Know those little back roads and shortcuts to get into the plazas that are around there from other directions," Caggiano said.
The DOT said this is a private construction project conducted by Berkshire and Eastern Railroad, which owns the freight rail line.
The railroad crossing at Maple Street is also being replaced. That work is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16.
The DOT said a 36-hour detour will be in place in the immediate vicinity of the rail crossing.
