AUSTIN – For anyone visiting Sixth Street in Austin soon, don’t be surprised by notable changes in the area that Austin officials hope will keep patrons safer.
Officials and city leaders held a press conference Wednesday to announce that Sixth Street will be open to vehicle traffic starting this weekend, according to a Fox 7 Austin report.
In the past, Sixth Street was normally closed to traffic from Thursday to Sunday, allowing pedestrians to walk freely on the road.
Officials said the theme of the change is to increase pedestrian safety.
“A key part of this initiative was to develop a plan that would increase pedestrian safety, decrease the number of officers being injured, and the need to respond to resistance,” Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told Fox 7 Austin.
In addition to allowing traffic, officials said they are widening sidewalks and implementing fencing and 12-to-18-inch rubber curbs along Red River Street and Brazos Street.
The city hopes these measures will prevent traffic from crossing into pedestrian areas and deter people from walking into the street.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who was among the leaders at the press conference, said Sixth Street should be a vibrant place for people, and they should have ample walking space.
“Most of all, Sixth Street must be safe,” Watson said.
Davis added that they conducted a “soft launch” of reopening Sixth Street to vehicle traffic on Thursday and Sunday nights in December. She said it was successful, as no incidents were reported.
