UT change of heart? Portions of 24th Street to remain closed to motorized traffic during business hours...

The Daily Texan is reporting on a decision by UT facilities to limit traffic on a portion of 24th Street to pedestrian and bicycle traffic ONLY, besides the ubiquitous UT-stamped vehicles that careen around the 40 acres without regard to life or limb. Though this would only be in effect during business hours, these high-traffic times of day are the most dangerous for vulnerable road users commuting through the area or running between classes. The decision was made after a study performed late last year/early this year concluded that closing the area to car traffic would greatly increase pedestrian safety in the area. Though only a short stretch of 24th will be closed to car traffic, it sounds like this is just the beginning of an overall campaign to modify Speedway into a more pedestrian and bike-friendly thoroughfare:

“[The study] prompted us to ask what do we need to do to keep the area safe,” Baker said.

Baker said except for a bike lane, the area would be closed off by gates to all but UT vehicles, but after business hours and on weekends access would be restored to pre-construction levels. She said the decision fits into the long-term plans to make Speedway Street into a completely pedestrian mall.

Let me repeat this: long-term plans to make Speedway Street into a completely pedestrian mall. FUCK YES. Thanks for the good news, Texan!