ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 The City of Orlando is set to transform its downtown roads by reintroducing two-way traffic, starting with Magnolia Avenue, as part of a $750 million Downtown Orlando Action Plan.<\/p>\n
The initiative aims to enhance pedestrian activity and economic benefits by reverting several streets to their historic two-way configurations. <\/p>\n
The project will begin with the removal of dedicated bus lanes on Magnolia Avenue, opening the southbound side for all traffic. <\/p>\n
This change is expected to be completed six months after construction starts early next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cHistoric downtowns are really kind of returning themselves to how they operated in the past, which was two-way traffic and the economic benefits that that brings,\u201d said David Barilla, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency.<\/p>\n
Phase two of the project will focus on building larger sidewalks, adding bike lanes, and increasing parking availability. <\/p>\n
This is a welcome change for local businesses, as Jonathan Lee, owner of a neighborhood eatery on Magnolia, noted the difficulty customers face finding parking.<\/p>\n
The broader Downtown Orlando Action Plan includes not only traffic changes but also new parks, green spaces, and improved walkability. The overall goal is to make downtown Orlando a destination rather than just a thoroughfare.<\/p>\n
Despite the city\u2019s confidence in the plan, some residents remain skeptical about its potential to attract more people downtown. \u201cI don\u2019t think making it a two-way street is going to bring more people, but we\u2019ll see what happens,\u201d one resident commented.<\/p>\n
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