AUSTIN, Texas — One of the most iconic streets in Austin could be getting a makeover. The plan to revamp Congress Avenue comes with a price tag of $130 million.
It is called the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative.
"A plaza from Seventh [Street] north to the Capitol – we really took inspiration from what the state did on the north side of the Capitol. Give more space for pedestrians, allow for uses like café zones – really enjoy the heart of Congress Avenue," said Anna Martin with Austin's Transportation Department.
Martin said this would allow businesses to expand as well. Car traffic and 90 parking spaces from Seventh to Eleventh streets would be removed, but vehicles would still be allowed to go eastbound and westbound.
Brianna Huberty is the general manager of Capitol Café, right off Congress Avenue. Huberty loves the idea of making the area more pedestrian-friendly so more people can enjoy the view. She said it would also help businesses up and down Congress Avenue.
Huberty said having no northnound and southbound traffic would also increase safety for pedestrians.
"We also see people wanting to take photos in front of the Capitol but always dodging cars to get that, so it would be an even better opportunity of professional photo shots down here," she said.
The plans also would make improvements to the Congress Avenue Bridge, putting a barrier between cars and people riding their bikes or walking.
The city of Austin held an opportunity for the community to give input on the rendering on Tuesday. The city will also be taking input online until November as plans move forward.
Construction wouldn't start until 2026.
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