In early 1977, the street began to be transformed into a pedestrian zone, as a measure to reduce the migration of retailers to the then emerging commercial district of Providencia.[1] The renovation was completed in January 1978.[1] Pop jet fountains were placed at both ends of the street. The project was complemented by the construction of a direct entrance to the Universidad de Chile station, which included the first public escalators in Chile.[1]
At present, the street is used by 2.5 million pedestrians each day.[1]
