AUSTIN, Texas — Austin's Congress Avenue could soon undergo some major changes.
Home to a selection of restaurants, vintage shops, bars and more, the city is looking to make the popular destination more pedestrian-friendly, with the help of the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative (CAUDI).
The project would include a series of changes stretching from Cesar Chavez Street to 11th Street, notably adding a public plaza from Seventh Street to 11th Street.
The city says the Ninth Street through 11th Street blocks can be fully upgraded with current funds, while Seventh Street to Ninth Street can be partially improved until additional investments are made.
The implementation of the plaza would halt all drivers just north of Seventh Street while allowing drivers to continue on Seventh through 11th streets heading east and westward.
This isn't the only upgrade that could be coming to the area. The project would also eliminate all current parking options on Congress Avenue – roughly 94 spots – instead creating more room for walkability near the restaurants, shops and other popular areas.
Other changes include widened bicycle lanes and new turn lanes at the 100 and 500 blocks.
So far, the project's first phase is expected to cost roughly $22 million, funded mostly by the 2020 Active Transportation and Safety Bond. The full initiative is projected at $130 million, with additional financial support needed.
As part of the effort to create a more pedestrian-centered "Main Street" for Austin, residents can share their opinions on the project through an online survey available through Nov. 24. The survey considers types of amenities that could be added to the plaza, including everything from food trucks to special event spots.
Residents can also hear from the CAUDI team directly from 4 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 22 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the Downtown Austin Space Activation, located at 506 Congress Ave.
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