In an effort to increase pedestrian and motorist safety in Old Town, the Wichita Police Department (WPD) will implement traffic-control measures on Friday and Saturday beginning at 11 p.m. and ending at 3 a.m.
The operation is part of an ongoing joint safety initiative involving WPD and Old Town businesses. It builds on best practices from other entertainment districts nationwide. The plan includes strategically blocking designated areas to vehicle traffic in the 100 and 200 blocks of North Mosley, Rock Island and parking lots on the west side of Washington on Friday and Saturday nights. Vehicles will still have access to parking lots and garages.
Narrow streets (e.g. Mosley, Rock Island) become a safety hazard for pedestrians and impede traffic, when party buses or other vehicles stop. To reduce the safety hazard, the traffic-control operation also includes designated parking areas for party buses, Uber and taxis to the parking lot located on St. Francis and 2nd Street.
