A new report commissioned by the City of Austin considers the possibility of closing the street to cars permanently. This follows 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. The most congested times are when people are arriving in the evening and late at night when revelers are leaving. Rideshares, scooters, bikes, and pedestrians all compete for space on the road.
Infrastructure firm AECOM modeled 11 scenarios for a full or partial closure of the street in a 744-page engineering report, which was prepared for the City’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.
As explained in the the study, “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.”
Businesses Positive
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.”
Of the businesses surveyed, 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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