Mobility study proposes closing Rainey Street to drivers permanently
AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Transportation Department is looking into ways to reduce congestion around Rainey Street.
Seven of the 11 scenarios evaluated would permanently close Rainey Street to traffic between River and Driskill streets.
An artist rendering of Rainey Street if closed to vehicle traffic
The plans come from a 700-plus page mobility study put together for the transportation department and planning and zoning department.
Each alternative was analyzed using expected growth in the area by 2025.
“Up and down this street, there's always cars pulling over, throwing on their hazard lights, people getting out. Not to mention, on top of that, all the deliveries that are going through for all the businesses on the street. It kind of makes it a tough place to navigate during the day,” said Jordan Dewing, general manager at Javelina.
It used to be an especially tough place to navigate on weekend nights. However, last month the city started a pilot program closing Rainey Street to motor vehicles on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 9 p.m. and 2:30 a.m.
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“I think, as far as traffic and all that, yeah, I think it's a lot more safe,” said Chris Strobel, manager of L’estelle House and Yard.
“I don't feel like it's caused business to decrease at all, but it's also made the street a lot more comfortable,” Dewing said.
That pilot continues until March, but the transportation department is already looking into other plans for Rainey Street.
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A new mobility study outlines some 11 options, seven of which would include plans to close Rainey Street to motor vehicles, except first responders, permanently.
“I'm definitely for it. I think it'd be a great idea to just slow down the street in general, make it safer for people,” said Dewing.
The study surveyed business owners between River Street and Driskill where the closure would take place. Fifty-six percent of them were in favor of the idea. Those opposed mentioned things like a lack of alternative parking delivery trucks.
“There's plenty of other ways to get around the neighborhood. They've got alleys on both sides, we've got the turnaround, so I think it's a good thing in general,” Dewing said.
Researchers said the scenario that would provide the most relief for drivers would require extending Red River Street, that way Rainey Street could be closed to allow more space for scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians. That could also help increase foot traffic, something business owners are hoping for.
“They're putting up high rises everywhere, and that may change, but, as of right now, everybody's coming here because it's Rainey Street,” said Strobel.
The mobility study, as well as the Rainey Street Pilot Program, will be evaluated by the transportation department beginning in February. Any decisions made will be included in the Austin Core Transportation Plan, which should be completed this summer.
READ THE FULL MOBILITY STUDY BELOW: