Transit Study Envisions Car-Free Rainey Street
A new report commissioned by the City of Austin considers the possibility of closing the street to cars permanently, following an ongoing pilot program that closes the street on certain nights.
Rainey Street is a hopping nighttime destination with many bars, hotels and restaurants, as well as increasing number of high-rise condos.
The rapid growth of the neighborhood caused congestion on the narrow street late in the evening as people arrive and late at night when revelers are leaving. Rideshares, scooters, bikes, and pedestrians all compete for space on the road.
Eleven scenarios for a full or partial closure of the street were modeled in a 744-page engineering report prepared by infrastructure firm AECOM for the Austin’s Transportation and Planning departments.
Although AECOM did not make any final recommendations, it found that the model that reduced traffic congestion the most involved one that closed Rainey to all vehicles while making traffic control changes elsewhere.
That scenario calls for extending Red River to connect to River Street, connecting Rainey to Cesar Chavez, adding all-way stop control at the Red River/Driskill intersection and River/East Avenue, as well as a traffic circle at Red River/Davis.
The study says, “Closing Rainey Street to vehicles would improve the space for pedestrians, bicycles and micromobility, however, vehicular circulation would need to be maintained via other routes within the study area, including the Red River Extension.”
A number of area businesses supported the closure scenario, including five of eight who responded to a survey by AECOM. Clive Bar responded, “As long as deliveries and managers could get to their venues, I would be fine with changing the entire district to a pedestrian only area.”
Half Step said, “As long as an adequate solution is made for us to receive deliveries, I fully support this measure.”
Craft Pride, Big Fat Greek Gyros, and Bangers Sausage and Beer Garden also supported the idea, but Camden Rainey Street and Unbarlievable were opposed.
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Originally published at https://www.honestaustin.com on January 22, 2020.
