After polling the city on three designs in summer and fall, the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department recommended a plan for historic 6th Street, complete with renderings.
City staff ultimately chose Alternative 3, with construction expected to begin as early as 2027. Here’s what the plan details for East 6th Street from Brazos Street to I-35:
- Two lanes going westbound (a decrease from four in some areas), and one curb access lane on the north side for valet, pick-up + drop-off, or delivery
- 25-ft sidewalk and furnishing zones on both sides
- Bollards and new trees on both sides
The plan is slightly different from Brazos Street to Congress Avenue, where there will be three westbound lanes past the Driskill, which will have an inset in front for hotel visitors.
Why Alternative 3?
Notably, Alternative 3 is the sole design that doesn’t include bike lanes, but it does have the widest pedestrian zones. The city has been testing wider sidewalks using concrete dividers in the area, which the report said is “essential” to support a vision to create a day-and-night district and enhance safety.
