Changing roads to LRV only?

[zugmann]

I was looking into the discussion concerning light rail construction and retail impact and another question popped into my mind.

Was there ever a case where a street was converted to a Light Rail ROW with no auto traffic allowed?  Essentially kicking the automobiles off the land and reserving it for LRVs and pedestrians. Even if it was just a block long - I'm curious what impacts it would have.

In one hand I could see it hurting as it would take away parking, but if it were to recieve a makeover with additional trees and greenery, it may provide attractive to pedestrians.  But did this situation ever happen?


Just curious.
Tom

[DSchmitt]

K Street Mall, Sacramento CA, (K Street between 8th Street and 12 th Street).  The "Mall" was built first and the light rail system was built years latter.

O Street between 9th and 10th was closed to autos when the Light Rail was built.  Some other blocks on O street may be closed or at least have restricted auto access

 

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=sacramento,+ca+&ie=UTF8&ll=38.578903,-121.493002&spn=0.003598,0.010536&t=h&om=1

[Anonymous]

Portland's 2nd Avenue north of Yamhill became a "transit only" street when MAX was put it. I don't think it was the first, but it was one *of* the first such.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

About 10-15 years ago, Chicago proposed a rather substantial light rail network for the Loop and River North and River West areas.  Several streets would have been closed to auto traffic as part of the proposal.  Due to lack of funding, nothing ever came to pass.

[chad thomas]

Portland's 2nd Avenue north of Yamhill became a "transit only" street when MAX was put it. I don't think it was the first, but it was one *of* the first such.

 

Yes, and it looks much nicer then the rest of the streets, in my opinion anyway.

[broncoman]

I think there is going to be more road closed-to-autos when they complete the connection of the light rail tracks from K street mall to the Amtrak station.  I can't remember which blocks though.