Houston is permanently expanding an even larger area: the Main Street program in downtown, closing 7 blocks to traffic

Houston, Texas (KTRK) – City leaders have decided to permanently shut down traffic on seven blocks of Main Street in downtown Houston.

According to our news partners at Houston ChronicleCity Council members voted unanimously on Wednesday to extend the “More Space: Main Street” program that allowed restaurants and bars to maintain outdoor seating between Commerce Street and Rusk Street.

The program was originally created in November 2020 as a way for local businesses to deal with the policies of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 Report: Downtown bars and restaurants are now allowed to serve outdoors on Main Street

The program has enabled participating companies to add a total of 45 tables and 154 seats on outdoor patios so far, according to Houston Transportation Planner President David Fields. He said bars and restaurants also reported an increase in revenue, employee retention and customer satisfaction.

City leaders said the goal is to eventually expand the concept to other local businesses and commercial segments across the city.