Road closure ahead? Downtown Tucson considers pilot program to close part of Congress during major events

Tucson is considering a pilot program to temporarily close part of Congress Street to vehicles during major downtown events. The closure could start as early as Halloween and would run from the Fourth Avenue underpass to at least Sixth Avenue.

The plan is intended to improve pedestrian safety during festivals, concerts, sporting events and other busy nights, when crowds can overflow narrow sidewalks and move into the street.

Transportation officials say the Downtown Links project created another route between Interstate 10 and downtown, making it easier to divert traffic away from Congress Street. The city is also considering the idea as some downtown businesses show more interest in creating a pedestrian-focused area during special events.

Before any closures begin, officials still need to finalize rideshare pickup and drop-off areas, transit plans, traffic controls, barricades and signs to guide pedestrians. More planning and public outreach are expected before the city moves ahead.