WACO, TX — The Waco City Council approved to make Washington Avenue into a two-way street on Tuesday.
The council unanimously approved to make Washington Avenue a two-way street for its "entire extent."
Currently, a portion of the road is a one-way street. However, city staff proposed changing it to have traffic in both directions.
If approved, the change would happen at the same time crews do re-pavement on the street next summer.
The conversion would have a cost of $250,000.
Waco Traffic Engineering Manager Eric Gallt said the change will be beneficial for businesses.
"It's pretty well documented that a two-way is better for businesses with regards to their operations as far as accessibility and visibility," Gallt said.
The owners of Barnett's Public House are supportive of the change. They plan to open a new wine and coffee bar called Lighthouse on Washington Avenue at the beginning of next year.
Director of Marketing and Operations at Barnett's Public House and Lighthouse John Hodges said it would be positive for their new venture.
"I think two-way streets in the middle of downtown will help because it will bring more people in and out. It's not as confusing," Hodges said.
Gallt added more than 90 percent of the public has supported the change but there is some opposition to the conversion.
