Austin residents may soon see a transformation along Congress Avenue, as city leaders are considering turning a stretch of the street into a pedestrian plaza. The proposed project, part of the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative, aims to revamp the area between Riverside Drive and 11th Street with an estimated cost of $130 million. The first phase of the project, which is set to cost $22 million funded by the city’s 2020 Active Transportation and Safety Bond, will focus on opening up space for walking, dining, shopping, and other street activities.
One of the key aspects of the proposal is to create a pedestrian-friendly environment by limiting vehicular access along Congress Avenue, while still allowing east-west cross traffic on nearby streets. This change would result in 94 fewer parking spaces in the downtown area, out of a total of approximately 71,500 spaces. However, existing ADA-compliant parking spots will either remain or be relocated nearby.
In addition to creating a pedestrian plaza, the project also includes plans to add protective bike infrastructure along Congress Avenue. The design of the plaza is inspired by the Texas Capitol Mall, with city officials aiming to transform Congress Avenue into a vibrant space that reflects Austin’s unique character and serves as the city’s ‘Main Street.’
Residents have until Nov. 24 to provide feedback on the proposal, with two in-person meetings scheduled for further details on the project. The first meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 4-7 p.m., followed by a second meeting on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., both at the Downtown Austin Space Activation located at 506 Congress Ave.
City officials expect to finalize the plan early next year, with more information available online on how residents can share their feedback on the proposed project. The Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative aims to revitalize this historic street and create a welcoming and lively space that captures the essence of Austin’s vibrant community.
