The council voted Tuesday night to move forward with the effort after hearing from residents on both sides of the issue.
Under the plan, barriers would be installed to prevent vehicles from turning onto Ninth, 10th and 11th avenues from International Boulevard.
The area is known for sex work activity and is also recognized as a location where human trafficking occurs.
During the council meeting, some residents voiced opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about the effect the barriers could have on nearby businesses.
"This is just a band aid, but it's a band aid I think that's needed," an Oakland resident said during public comment at the meeting on Tuesday.
The street closures will be implemented as part of a six-month pilot program, which could be extended.
The approach is not new.
In 2024, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency installed barriers in San Francisco's Mission District as part of an effort to deter sex work in that area.
MORE: New barriers to deter alleged sex work on SF's Capp St. may be permanent. Here are the two options
The Oakland pilot program is expected to test whether similar traffic restrictions can reduce illegal activity along the International Boulevard corridor.