The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and the Ballard Terminal Railroad worked on a section of the Burke-Gilman Trail located between NW 40th and NW 41st streets last week to improve a railroad tracks crossing that proved to be dangerous for cyclists.

At that crossing, the trail meets the train tracks at a 45 degree angle and the rubber mat that was installed in order to prevent cyclists from catching their tires in between the trail pavement and the track rails, appeared to be hazardous in wet weather and caused multiple accidents.

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

The mat has been replaced with smooth asphalts and the angle of the crossing should prevent any cyclist from getting his or her tire caught in the tracks.