The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will close Broad Street to westbound traffic from Alaskan Way to Elliott Avenue tonight at 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. tomorrow. During the closure, SDOT crews will repave the street following repairs to the detection loops in the pavement.

 A recent water main break resulted in damage to the detection loops that are needed to operate the gates at the railroad tracks. These gates help prevent vehicles and pedestrians from crossing when a train is approaching. SDOT and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad are working together make the repairs as quickly as possible while minimizing impacts to transportation.

 When the gates are not operating, Federal regulations require trains to sound their whistle and lower their speeds for safety. Repairs are expected to be completed tonight after the evening commute, and train horns can then be silenced. Broad Street will be reopened by 5 a.m. tomorrow, if not before, when the asphalt has had time to cool.