Bike This Way

City of Austin presents 3 plans for car and bike traffic on 6th Street

Austin's Sixth Street is going through changes.

Photo courtesy of KVUE

The City of Austin is seeking to revitalize its historic Sixth Street with the help of the community.

The city released three design options to improve traffic flow on East Sixth Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35, a nine-block area that serves as one of Austin’s busiest entertainment districts.

A website presenting the options for public input explains the main differences between the three options: "Each alternative treats bike/scooter lanes, pedestrian space and curb access differently, but all keep Sixth Street one-way westbound for vehicles. Each alternative shares the goal of expanding pedestrian space, providing curb access, and accommodating vehicle traffic."

The site reports that converting the street to two-way traffic would create morning traffic backups, as would vehicles that need to stop on the street to drop off items or pick up riders. Turning lanes would reduce important curbside space "while limiting opportunities to widen sidewalks and improve the walking experience," it says. The City may one day reconsider if vehicle demand decreases and "we see drastic mode shifts."

Alternative 1 Option

6th Street traffic lanes rendering Two bike lanes.Rendering courtesy of the City of Austin

The first option would include a bike lane on both sides of Sixth Street and would also allow for vehicle drop-offs and loading on one side of the street.

Alternative 2 Option

6th Street traffic lanes rendering One bike lane.Rendering courtesy of the City of Austin

The second option would include a westbound bike lane with a lane on the curb for drop-offs and loading on one side of the street.

Alternative 3 Option

6th Street traffic lanes rendering No bike lanes.Rendering courtesy of the City of Austin

The final option would not include any bike lanes, but would offer curb access for vehicle drop-offs and loading on one side of the street.

How can you vote on the options?

The city is seeking public input on proposed designs to revitalize Sixth Street through a survey available on its SpeakUpAustin website here.

Read the full story at KVUE.com. CultureMap has added context from the project survey website.

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Airline Perks

Southwest Airlines makes deal with City of Austin to hire 2,000+ locals

Photo courtesy of KVUE

Southwest will get a $2,750 incentive for each Austinite it hires over the next five years.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson held a press conference Friday to discuss a new deal with Southwest Airlines and its expected impact on the city.

The deal, approved Thursday by the Austin City Council, awards Southwest $2,750 for each new Austin-based hire over the next five years. In exchange, the airline plans to add 2,000 high-paying jobs with an average salary of $180,000 and invest in local workforce initiatives, including the city’s new Austin Infrastructure Academy.

Officials say the deal will strengthen Southwest’s presence at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where the carrier already handles more than 40 percent of all passenger traffic.

The partnership is expected to bring in nearly $20 million in local tax revenue, and the incentive program will last for five years and pay Southwest up to $5.5 million.

Mayor Watson said the agreement will not only create new jobs in Austin but will improve the overall experience at AUS.

“We’re building lives and careers at the same time we’re building tarmacs and terminals,” Watson said. “Southwest is choosing Austin because our people, our workforce, and our future make us a smart investment. This deal creates thousands of good-paying jobs, improves the passenger experience, and ensures the benefits flow directly to Austin workers, families, and tourists. This agreement is proof that Austin means business and cares about the success of its people.”

Read the full story at KVUE.com.

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