The Austin Police Department has announced plans to reopen its popular Sixth Street to vehicular traffic during weekend nights, despite recent concerns in the wake of the New Year’s Eve terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The move comes as law enforcement agencies nationwide remain cautious about safety for upcoming large events.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said reopening the stretch from I-35 to Congress on weekend nights would make it easier for police to respond to calls for help.

The city of Austin is closing several parking spots along Sixth Street as it advances its pilot project to reopen the roadway to traffic on the weekends, Austin’s Assistant City Manager Eddie Garcia confirmed to KXAN.

Austin police are temporarily pausing plans to reopen the Sixth Street Entertainment District to vehicle traffic. The decision comes following last week's deadly vehicle attack in New Orleans, in which a man drove a car through Bourbon Street on New Year's Day,