According to the Seattle Department of Transportation blog, SDOT and the Ballard Terminal Railroad are moving forward with enhancement work on a Burke-Gilman Trail railroad crossing on 6th Avenue NW and NW 40th Street.

That particular section of the trail meets the train tracks at a 45 degree angle and a rubber mat was installed in order to prevent cyclists from catching their tires in between the trail pavement and the track rails. However, cyclists are reporting that this mat can be slippery, particularly during wet and freezing conditions and has been a cause of multiple accidents.

As the Ballard Terminal Railroad is responsible for crossings of its tracks, SDOT is partnering with the railroad to realign the crossing. The mat material will be removed and the crossing will be realigned so that it is closer to 90 degrees.

The new crossing will be made of asphalt to enhance traction in adverse weather. The enhancements should be installed in July.