FAIRFIELD – Rough railroad crossings throughout Fairfield are a source of constant complaints to town officials.

But because the railroad is privately owned, the town can’t repair the crossings. Officials’ latest solution is to let aggravated drivers know who can fix them.

The Town Council voted Wednesday to spend $300 on two signs to be posted near railroad crossings in town, on a rotation. The reflective orange signs will caution drivers about the rough road ahead and suggest driving less than 10 mph, said interim Town Manager Dwight Dogherty.

Most importantly, councilors said, the signs will direct complaints to Pan Am Railways and provide the company’s toll-free phone number.

“I think it’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened, because we aren’t getting any cooperation from Pan Am,” said Councilor Donald Giroux.

In addition to hearing from residents about the rough crossings, Giroux said, he has gotten complaints about lead-based paint falling from overpasses owned by the railway.

The police department has gotten calls about crossing lights flashing when there are no trains passing, said Officer Casey Dugas.

Giroux said he has relayed the complaints to Pan Am, but the railway has been unresponsive. Pan Am didn’t return a call Thursday seeking comment.

“We’ve been getting complaint after complaint and have gone out of our way (to try to work with the railway),” Giroux said. “They’ll do nothing unless it’s a hazard or safety item. They certainly are not interested in spending a penny on the railroad crossings — that’s for sure.”

Dogherty said the town isn’t allowed to work on the road within 18 inches of the railway. “We have no right to spend money on private property,” he said.

Dogherty came up with the idea for the signs and said they likely will go up within a few weeks.

 

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