Work crews dig into N. Broadway to replace a broken gate valve Friday.

NEW ULM – Traffic on Broadway was temporarily reduced to two-lanes near the 1st N. intersection Friday as crews work to replace a broken gate valve.

Jeff Anderson with New Ulm’s engineering office said gate valves serve as a shut off for the water main. In the event of a water leak, the valve can switch off water to the affected area.

In the spring, the city tested several gate valves and found the one at 1st N and Broadway was broken.

Anderson said gate valves do break down through wear and tear. He estimated the city replaces at least one gate valve every year.

The replacement of a gate valve is a relatively quick procedure, but it does require digging up the street. The valve was successfully replaced by noon Friday, but the lane will remained closed until the roadway section is repaved.