Based on over 500 pieces of public feedback, engineering judgement and planning considerations three street segments will be implemented in batch two of the Healthy Streets Initiative.

In the next two weeks, Austin Transportation will begin the process to install temporary traffic control devices on the following streets:

• Avenue G from 38th Street to 56th Street,
• Belfast Drive from Broadmoor Drive to Cameron Road, and
• Street segments comprising Marsh Drive, Leo Street, Seminary Ridge Drive and Whispering Oaks Drive from West Slaughter Lane to West William Cannon Drive.

This will open street space for walking, running, biking, and other activities that promote physical and mental health, while maintaining local motor vehicle access for residents, deliveries and emergency vehicles.

Of the 525 public comments submitted for the six candidate street segments, 407 were supportive, 68 not supportive and 50 were comments with suggestions.

One of the candidate Healthy Streets in the Hyde Park neighborhood was originally proposed along Avenue F from 31st Street to Skyview Road. Following discussions with the community, local businesses and Capital Metro, Avenue G was determined to be a preferred alignment that features more visible crossing points at major intersections and reduced conflicts with business driveways.

Austin Transportation will continue to evaluate previously proposed streets not selected for this round, as well as alternative routes and community-based suggestions, in preparation for an expected third batch of Healthy Streets to be announced the coming weeks. Healthy Streets are expected to remain in place as long as resources allow and physical distancing requirements are recommended, based on COVID-19 risk-based guidelines.

Community members can provide feedback on current Healthy Streets, suggest new Healthy Streets, and provide feedback on the Healthy Streets Initiative as a whole to help Austin Transportation staff develop routes and numbly make adjustments to ensure people in all parts of the city have access to spaces that promote mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the COVID 19 pandemic, Austin City Council directed Austin Transportation (Resolution 20200507-062), to create places that promote physical and mental health and provide safe options to access jobs and services. Called “Healthy Streets,” people can more comfortably use these low-traffic areas for activities like walking, wheelchair rolling, running, and bicycling with enough space to maintain physical distance. Healthy Streets are achieved by creating “soft closures” on select local streets to through traffic and maintaining local access only for residents, deliveries, and emergency vehicles. 

Current Healthy Streets are implemented along these initial roadway segments:

• Bouldin Ave. / S 3rd St. / Garden Villa Ln. from Banister Ln. to Barton Springs Rd.  

• Comal St. from Manor Rd. to Lady Bird Lake  

• Country Club Creek Trail extension (Trail, Wickersham Ln., Oltorf St., Pleasant Valley Rd., Ventura Dr., Madera Dr.) from  Mabel Davis Park to Lakeshore Dr. 

• Riverside Dr. from Lamar Blvd. to South 1st St. 
• Pleasant Valley Rd. from Canterbury St. To S. Lakeshore Blvd. 

To get more information or ask questions about Healthy Streets, contact the project team via email at HealthyStreets@AustinTexas.gov.