City and community leaders discuss changes to make East Sixth Street safer for pedestrians

Rendering of fences designed to keep pedestrians from entering traffic.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson was joined by city officials and community leaders during a Wednesday morning news conference at Parkside restaurant to discuss ongoing and proposed changes to East Sixth Street that will make it safer, as well as a more connected and vibrant part of the city.<_o3a_p>

The first and most notable change is to move pedestrians out of the roadway and onto widened, protected sidewalks. For decades, Sixth Street has been closed to vehicular traffic Thursday through Sunday, allowing massive crowds to gather in the street. Safety equipment aimed at widening the sidewalks has been installed this month, and fencing between the widened sidewalks and street will go in on Thursday.

Beginning this week, Sixth Street will remain open to westbound traffic throughout the weekend. North and southbound traffic at Sixth Street intersections with San Jacinto, Trinity, and Neches streets will be closed Thursday through Sunday.<_o3a_p>

"Sixth Street should be a place that is vibrant at all hours, that has ample walking space, and restaurants, bars and retail that appeal to a wide range of people," Watson said. "Most of all, Sixth Street must be safe."<_o3a_p>

Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis said she has spent a significant amount of time studying and understanding the dynamics of Sixth Street. <_o3a_p>

"We worked closely with other City departments to identify what resources would be needed and developed a traffic plan that would be safe for pedestrians and vehicular traffic," she said.<_o3a_p>

That plan included a December "soft launch" to reopen Sixth Street to vehicular traffic on Thursday and Sunday nights, times during which it is normally closed. According to Davis, no incidents occurred during the soft launch. More details about the plan can be found on this City of Austin webpage.<_o3a_p>

"This brings us to where we are today, opening Sixth Street to vehicular traffic on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights," Davis said, noting that those planning to visit Sixth Street this weekend will notice a wider sidewalk space. "If you are driving, make sure to maintain a slower speed and be aware of pedestrians. Also, please be aware of new signage in the area relating to parking, street closures, and more."<_o3a_p>

Anna Martin, assistant director for the City's Transportation and Public Works Department, said City staff have installed rubber curbs and white flex posts between Brazos and Red River streets to separate the widened sidewalks from vehicle lanes and prevent traffic from crossing into pedestrian areas. Fencing is also being installed behind the rubber curbs to prevent pedestrians on the sidewalk from entering the street in areas between intersections.<_o3a_p>

"The widened sidewalks and added pedestrian space you see here on Sixth Street help us achieve that mobility goal to make this a street that functions for our community, not just on weekend nights but 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year," Martin said.<_o3a_p>

Austin City Council Member Zo Qadri represents District 9, which includes downtown.<_o3a_p>

"Historic Sixth Street is long overdue for a revitalization and reinvestment. These changes implemented today are just one step of many as part of a comprehensive approach with the final goal to reinvigorate Sixth Street," Qadri said. "I am committed to making this iconic entertainment district safer, more accessible, and vibrant in both day and night." <_o3a_p>

Sheryl Sculley, Downtown Austin Alliance board member and chairwoman of the public space experience committee, praised the changes at the news conference on Wednesday.<_o3a_p>

"I do want to compliment Mayor Watson, Chief Davis, and the transportation staff who have put together a plan that will be flexible enough to adjust as we experience and open up Sixth Street again," said Sculley, who is also a downtown resident. She emphasized the Alliance's partnership with the City in the comprehensive approach to safety on Sixth Street. "We spend a tremendous amount of time working on how we make downtown safer and cleaner for our residents and for the visitors-the thousands of visitors that come to Austin each year. So we are in support of these changes."<_o3a_p>

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