ORLANDO, Fla \u2013 Downtown Orlando is preparing for a packed weekend, with the city estimating more than 60,000 people will visit the urban core from Friday through Sunday for concerts, soccer, performances and other events.<\/p>\n
The lineup stretches across several of downtown\u2019s largest venues, including Kia Center, Inter&Co Stadium and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The Orlando Farmers Market will also take place Sunday at Lake Eola Park.<\/p>\n
With thousands of people heading into the same part of the city \u2014 in some cases at roughly the same time \u2014 Orlando officials are encouraging visitors to leave earlier than usual and plan their transportation and parking before arriving.<\/p>\n
Construction associated with the DTO Action Plan and other projects could also affect normal travel routes through downtown.<\/p>\n
When will downtown traffic be busiest?<\/p>\n
The city identified three periods when it expects traffic to be heaviest:<\/p>\n
Friday, Sept. 25: 6 to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
Saturday, Sept. 26: 2 to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
Sunday, Sept. 27: Noon to 2 p.m.<\/p>\n
Saturday has the longest projected period of heavy traffic. The U.S. men\u2019s national soccer team is scheduled to play Peru at Inter&Co Stadium at 4:30 p.m., followed by several evening performances downtown and another Garth Brooks concert at Kia Center at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
Where should drivers expect delays?<\/p>\n
The city is specifically warning motorists about increased traffic in the following areas:<\/p>\n
South Street from the State Road 408 exit to Division Avenue, including the area around the ThreatLocker and City Commons parking garages<\/p>\n
I-4 eastbound off-ramp at South Street<\/p>\n
I-4 westbound off-ramp at West Anderson Street<\/p>\n
I-4 South Street Express off-ramps<\/p>\n
Road closures related to construction and special events can change throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n
The City of Orlando maintains an online list and interactive map showing construction and special-event road closures that may affect travel or access.<\/p>\n
Check the City of Orlando\u2019s active road closures and interactive map<\/a><\/p>\n Plan where you will park before arriving<\/p>\n For people who plan to drive downtown, the city is encouraging them to figure out where they will park before starting their trip.<\/p>\n Downtown Orlando\u2019s official parking website includes an interactive map of public and private parking facilities. For garages and lots operated by the City of Orlando, the site also provides information about hours and rates. Some parking can also be reserved and prepaid ahead of major downtown events.<\/p>\n The downtown parking page lists facilities including the 55W Garage, Central Boulevard Parking Garage, Administration Garage and other parking options throughout the urban core.<\/p>\n View Downtown Orlando\u2019s parking map, garages and parking options<\/a><\/p>\n Visitors should allow additional time to park and walk or connect to their final destination, particularly during the city\u2019s projected peak traffic periods.<\/p>\n LYMMO offers a free option for getting around downtown<\/p>\n Visitors who make it downtown can also avoid repeatedly moving their cars by using LYMMO, the free downtown bus circulator.<\/p>\n LYMMO\u2019s Grapefruit Line serves several locations directly connected to this weekend\u2019s events, including Kia Center, Inter&Co Stadium, Lake Eola and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. It also connects with other areas of downtown and Parramore.<\/p>\n The Orange Line travels through the downtown core and also serves locations including Church Street, the Dr. Phillips Center, City Hall and LYNX Central Station.<\/p>\n According to LYNX, both the Orange and Grapefruit lines generally arrive every 15 minutes on Saturdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays and holidays.<\/p>\n That gives visitors the option of parking in one location and using LYMMO to move between parking, restaurants and event venues rather than driving through the busiest areas multiple times.<\/p>\n