6th Street opens up to traffic in downtown Austin

Sixth Street opened to traffic in downtown Austin on Thursday. The Austin Police Chief believes it will help the city reduce crime. 

Safety equipment has been installed, including rubber curb edges and white flex posts, along Sixth from Brazos to Red River.

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Why is 6th Street opening up to traffic?

What we know:

The city of Austin is opening the busy stretch seven days a week, and lifting the barricades. It is a concept they started to test drive during the holidays when it was not as busy. 

"A car can easily go through this. I just don't see it having much effect; like, I think they're going to take them down after like a week after somebody gets hurt or something happens." 

Since the barriers were lifted, the sidewalks were widened by getting rid of the street parking spaces. There are also fences and rubber curb edges to deter pedestrians and vehicles from crossing paths. 

"That's definitely a possibility that people can drive over those curbs, that people can wind up on sidewalks," said Michael Bullock. 

The idea is to prevent people from standing around and decrease what they call the "street party" culture that leads to fights. 

"I don't think barricades and cars would stop people from fighting on the sidewalk." 

What they're saying:

"I don't think it would stop a car."

Many people are worried about vehicles driving onto the sidewalks. 

"I wouldn't say it's any more risky than a lot of other densely populated areas where we have a lot of foot traffic and other parts of the city either," said Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock. 

Some Austinites fear that 6th Street's historic charm is being stripped away, which could impact business. 

"This is known for people to be able to walk through and have an experience like this is the original dirty six."

Most of the concerns were about the fencing held together by zip ties. 

"I think we need to be looking towards more permanent and more structurally sound options that provide greater physical barriers," said Bullock.

"Block off the street completely or put something that would actually be a deterrent."

What's next:

It is all a trial-and-error process. 

The Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said she would be there the first weekend to see what happens and assess what works and does not work. 

The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Katie Pratt

DowntownCrime and Public Safety