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<\/p>\nORLANDO, Fla. \u2014\u00a0Detours ahead. That\u2019s the message from Orlando city leaders as they work to improve transportation and traffic flow in downtown Orlando.<\/p>\n
What You Need To Know<\/p>\n
Crews are working now to convert Magnolia Avenue from a one-way to a two-way street with more pedestrian access
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Downtown Orlando officials say detours and delays could peak in 2027 during Orange Avenue and Rosalind Avenue projects
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They will meet with business owners during projects and encourage people to visit downtown Orlando<\/p>\n
The city will spend millions of dollars on several projects to improve mobility and create entertainment zones downtown, but the work could slow down commuters at different times over the next two years.<\/p>\n
One of the projects took another step forward this week. City officials selected the contractor for the Lake Eola Gateway Project, a plan to have a welcoming entrance to the Lake Eola Park. <\/p>\n
Mayor Buddy Dyer eased some residents\u2019 concerns by clarifying that the historic Lubbe House on the corner of Lake Eola Park will not be demolished as part of the project.<\/p>\n
A few blocks away, crews will work over the next six months to convert the one-way Magnolia Avenue into a two-way corridor through the heart of downtown. Pedestrians will eventually be able to take a stroll and look at art displays or check out a farmers\u2019 market.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jack Daryanani is owner of the Taco Kat Restaurant in downtown Orlando. He hopes the changes on Magnolia Avenue will boost business.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore pedestrian traffic is always a welcome sign for a local business owner,” he said.<\/p>\n
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The city will spend millions of dollars on several projects to improve mobility and create entertainment zones downtown, but the work could slow down commuters at different times over the next two years. (Spectrum News\/Keith Landry)<\/p>\n
David Barilla is executive director of the Orlando Downtown Development Board & Community Redevelopment Agency, leading the changes there. Barilla said the city is doing the Magnolia project two blocks at a time.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we can shut it down, move through those two blocks as quickly and feasibly as possible,” he said. “Also reduce the impacts on those businesses that front that corridor.\u201d<\/p>\n
The detour signs for Magnolia Avenue are the first of several that drivers will see over the next two years as Orlando completes $160 million in downtown projects.<\/p>\n