SXSW to close several downtown streets

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Several road closures and detours for public transit are in place for the upcoming South by Southwest festival.

Partial and full street closures downtown will be in effect March 8-17.

Sixth Street will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. each weekday and on the first weekend for commuter traffic. It will also be open for deliveries to businesses inside the closure area on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, the street will be closed all day Saturday, March 16.

Downtown roadways that will remain open throughout the 10-day festival include Fourth and Fifth streets and Seventh through 10th.

The city recommends using 11th and 15th streets as alternative for east and westbound travel.

View an interactive map of downtown street closures
 

Aside from planned street closures, the city said a number of private parties and events are anticipated downtown and just east of Interstate 35 which may create additional traffic delays throughout the festival.

Those heading downtown during this busy time are encouraged to share rides, bike or use public transit.

Capitol Metro will have additional buses running routes between the airport and downtown and more buses in place on some routes to help with overcrowding. Expanded hours and frequency will also be in place for the MetroRail. The transit service also offers late-night options .

Austin police will also have extra officers in place to help with emergency traffic issues and crowd management.

More street closures that could affect your commute include:

• The north to southbound streets crossing Sixth Street between Fifth and Seventh streets from San Jacinto Boulevard to Sabine Street will be closed 6 a.m. Friday, March 8, through 3 a.m. Sunday, March 17. Red River between Fifth and Seventh Streets will close starting March 8 at 6 a.m. Additional blocks from Seventh to 10th Streets will close starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 12, through 3 a.m. Sunday, March 17, with the cross streets remaining open.
   
• Trinity Street, from Cesar Chavez Street to Fourth Street, will be closed from 7 a.m. Friday, March 8, to 3 a.m. Sunday, March 17. East Second and Third streets from San Jacinto Boulevard to Trinity Street will also be closed during this time, and only open to local traffic.
   
• The Rainey Street neighborhood will be closed daily between to 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. from Friday, March 8, to Sunday, March 17. All traffic must enter at River Street and there will be restricted access reserved for local businesses and residents.
   
• East Fifth Street, from IH-35 to Waller Street, will be closed Tuesday, March 12, at 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday, March 17.
   
• San Marcos Street, from Sixth to Fifth streets, will be closed Tuesday, March 12, at 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday, March 17.
   
• Brushy Street, from Sixth to Fifth streets, will be closed Tuesday, March 12, at 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday, March 17.
   
• Riverside Drive, from South First Street to the traffic circle, will be closed Thursday, March 14, until 3 a.m. Friday, March 15. It will close again at 1 p.m. Friday, March 15, through 3 a.m. Sunday, March 17.