Opening 6th Street to cars? City working on pilot program
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A group of city departments is looking at options related to a pilot program that would open historic Sixth Street up to vehicle traffic.
Currently, police and barricades block the road from Red River to Congress on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and during special events.
According to an email sent from city staff to Sixth Street stakeholders, the pilot is set to take place during the "winter months" and wrap up before SXSW, but no official dates have been announced.
Business owners met with city staff to discuss the project last month.
The goals of the pilot, as outlined in the email, are listed below:
- Create expanded and dedicated pedestrian areas for more organized line ques and walking pathways
- Open travel lanes
- Reduce the need for street closures
- Enhance safety
- Use officer staff time more efficiently
The Austin Police Department sent KXAN the following information about to project, which appears to still be in the preliminary planning stages.
APD and several departments have been discussing and looking at options related to the opening of 6th Street. While many of the details are still being worked out, we will keep you updated. As soon as we are ready to address questions and share specific updates, we will do so. This project will rely on partnerships, collaboration with various groups and engaging our community to create awareness and education.
Austin Police Department
Other popular nightlife spots like West Sixth Street, far East Sixth Street, Rainey Street and The Domain are always open to cars.
"And the only different district in the whole city is the historic Sixth," said Shawn Cirkiel, owner of Parkside. "And it's the one that continues to be plagued with issues of violence and uses an incredible about of police resources."
Not all business owners, however, think this is a good idea, including Bob Woody, who owns several businesses all across the city.
"It's counterintuitive to safety," he said. "There's not enough positive in reopening the street to make a few or some businesses feel like it might make a difference."