Austin Police updates Sixth Street reopening and safety measures amid crime statistics review

The Austin Downtown Commission received an update on the Safer Sixth Street initiative during its recent meeting, highlighting significant changes aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility in the downtown area. The initiative, launched in 2022 in response to violent incidents, involves collaboration among various city departments, including the Austin Police Department and city planners.

Carrie Chaudhwar, a new commander with the downtown area command of the Austin Police Department, provided insights into the ongoing efforts to improve Sixth Street. Although a comprehensive review of crime statistics is still underway, Chaudhwar emphasized the initiative's focus on both immediate and long-term strategies to revitalize the district.

A key component of the initiative has been the pilot program that reopened Sixth Street to vehicular traffic on weekend nights. This program, which began in late 2024, introduced temporary measures such as metal fencing and rubber curbs to separate pedestrians from vehicles. However, initial fencing proved inadequate, leading to structural issues. In response, the city replaced the damaged barriers with more durable water-filled plastic barricades in May 2025, which have reportedly made pedestrians feel safer.

The Austin Police Department continues to monitor crowd sizes closely. While the road remains open to traffic during weekends, officers are prepared to close Sixth Street if crowds become too large or unsafe. For instance, recent events required the street to be closed around midnight due to overcrowding.

These developments reflect the city's commitment to ensuring a safer and more accessible downtown environment, with ongoing adjustments based on community feedback and safety assessments. The commission's discussions underscore the importance of proactive measures in maintaining public safety while fostering a vibrant urban atmosphere.