Parts of Sixth Street will not allow cars after the Austin Police Department estimated 80,000 to 100,000 people will be in the area during Halloween weekend, APD announced in a Thursday news conference.
Christopher Juusola, APD’s commander for the downtown area, said APD will increase police presence and close roads to keep drivers and pedestrians safe and will work with Emergency Medical Services and the Austin Fire Department to monitor crowds. Halloween falls on a Saturday for the first time in six years and coincides with both a Texas football game and daylight saving time.
Safety Tips & Reminders
APD recommends people stay in groups, order rideshares after drinking and keep their phones charged. APD said public consumption of alcohol is still illegal in entertainment districts. Halloween is a “no refusal” weekend in Austin, meaning police can expedite warrants for blood-alcohol tests for drivers pulled over for suspected DWIs who refuse to be breathalyzed.
APD is also encouraging partygoers to remain vigilant. Corporal Jose Mendez said pedestrians should avoid crossing streets between cars, and he encouraged visitors to report suspicious activity.
Daylight saving time goes into effect on Nov. 1, so clocks will reset at 2 a.m. Juusola said APD is factoring in the time change along with the holiday and sporting events.
“That is a tremendous deal to us,” Juusola said. “Usually we’re only used to visitors consuming alcohol for a certain period of time and (if) you give them an extra hour to consume alcohol, it’s going to cause more problems with intoxications.”
Road Closures
Downtown Austin’s East and West Sixth streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from Brazos to Red River streets starting at 4 p.m. Saturday. Police will tow all vehicles in prohibited areas after that time.
Sabine Street will be closed at East Sixth Street, Neches, Trinity and San Jacinto streets will also be closed between Fifth and Seventh streets and blocked off with fencing or meridian barriers. Juusola said the measures are in place to help emergency responders reach crowds more easily.
Businesses will not be able to access the north alley of Sixth Street from San Jacinto to Red River, though the south alley will be open. Pedestrians seeking rideshare services must leave the public safety area to access rideshare vehicles, as vehicles cannot drive into pedestrian areas.
Residents can view road closure maps for their areas on the City of Austin website.
