ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 The first phase of a project designed to improve safety, walkability and access for businesses along Magnolia Avenue in downtown Orlando is nearing completion.<\/p>\n
Crews have been working for the past several months to convert Magnolia Avenue from a one-way street into a two-way road between Livingston Street and South Street, near the Dr. Phillips Center.<\/p>\n
The project includes restriping the roadway and adding on-street parking on both sides of the street. Commissioner Shan Rose said the changes were prompted in part by concerns from downtown businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe heard from a lot of the businesses downtown that there was an opportunity,\u201d Rose said. \u201cThey were losing customers because an Uber driver would come in, park and get a $27 ticket while picking someone up or stopping at a business.\u201d<\/p>\n
[WATCH: Downtown Orlando drivers concerned over proposed two-way street conversions]<\/p>\n
LYMMO buses will travel with regular traffic instead of using a dedicated lane. Rose said city officials studied the change and do not expect it to affect travel times or the frequency of service.<\/p>\n
The project is intended to create a safer, more welcoming downtown while supporting small businesses, Rose said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is our commitment at the city of Orlando to improving our downtown and supporting our small businesses,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The first phase is expected to be completed in October. The second phase will begin immediately afterward and will include additional lighting, as well as plans for on-street festivals and other events along Magnolia Avenue.<\/p>\n
The second phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.<\/p>\n
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