The Adobe Creek Loop Trail in the Baylands will be closed through October while the city repairs a damaged tide gate.

According to Gary Kremen, a Santa Clara Valley Water District board member, the Flood Basin tide gate plays an important role in flood prevention and wildlife protection, especially for protected species like the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse.

However, recently it exhibited signs of aging such as weakened concrete and exposed steel reinforcements.

“The flood gate … protects Palo Alto from a flooding situation should a heavy rain event and a high tide occur at the same time,” Kremen stated in an email. “The flood basin has the capacity to retain several hours of heavy storm runoff.”

While the tide gate is being repaired, a detour, which runs parallel to Highway 101 and near Mayfield Island, is available for trail users and bicyclists.

“We apologize for this temporary inconvenience,” states Kremen on the Santa Clara Valley Water District website. “It is critical that we complete this project before the rain season so that we may all continue to enjoy the peace and natural habitat of the basin.”