The City of Sitka has decided not to close downtown’s main thoroughfare, Lincoln Street, on high cruise traffic days in May. This decision was made following a recommendation by the Tourism Commission and mixed feedback from downtown merchants. Instead, the city will keep Lincoln Street open throughout May as a trial run to observe the impact and make future plans.
In the past, Lincoln Street has been closed on days with large cruise ship arrivals, but the city is considering new pedestrian safety measures and operational changes to alleviate the pressure on the street. This includes working with the commission to introduce crossing guards and sidewalk attendants, as well as implementing a new staggering plan for cruise ship arrivals and departures.
Additionally, a scheduling app will be introduced to regulate visitor flow into town, ensuring a more consistent and steady stream of tourists throughout the day. City staff will present their findings at the assembly meeting on May 29th, where a decision will be made on whether to keep Lincoln Street open for the rest of the summer months.
The City of Sitka is committed to finding a balance between accommodating cruise ship visitors and meeting the needs of local businesses and residents. The trial run in May will provide valuable insights for future planning and improvements to downtown traffic management.
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Photo credit www.kcaw.org
