ORLANDO, Fla. – Exciting transformations are underway in downtown Orlando, aiming to simplify navigation and boost visitor numbers.
This week, News 6 highlighted “The Canopy” project beneath I-4, which the city is developing to provide a vibrant gathering space downtown. On Tuesday, the city will kick off another stage of its downtown revitalization plan, this time concentrating on enhancements along Magnolia Avenue.
Historically a one-way street since the 1950s, Magnolia Avenue will soon accommodate two-way traffic between South Street and Livingston Avenue. City officials are set to commence construction on the first phase of this transformation with a groundbreaking ceremony at 10:30 a.m.
For approximately six weeks, Magnolia Avenue will be closed between Livingston Street and Jefferson Street, though all other intersections will remain accessible.
“I’ve never been a big fan of one-way streets downtown,” remarked Roger Woodside regarding the project. “They seem prevalent in some areas, and I’ve never quite understood why. A two-way street is more traffic-friendly.”
The city anticipates that this change will foster a safer and more inviting environment for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. It is also expected to benefit the corridor’s small businesses, restaurants, and shops.
[WATCH: Church Street business anticipates boost from ‘The Canopy’]
As the first step in reimagining downtown infrastructure, the project advances the downtown action plan by delivering phased improvements and setting the stage for a larger, long-term streetscape transformation.
This project is a redesign of Magnolia Avenue, from South Street north toward Livingston Street, to create a safer, more intuitive and more walkable downtown corridor. This phase will convert Magnolia Avenue back to a two-way street, remove most of the dedicated LYMMO bus lane, integrate bus operations into regular traffic, add on-street parking and upgrade sidewalks, landscaping and overall streetscape features.
Limited parking, narrow sidewalks and a confusing one-way design have made it difficult for patrons to visit restaurants and stores on the street.
[WATCH: Orlando City Council to select contractor for Church Street redevelopment project]
“Oh, this area is one way. So, it’s people, a lot of people get confused,” Thai Palace server Thanom Rattana told News 6.
The Thai Palace team is excited about the improvements.
“Now there is going to be a direct road. So, it will be easy for new people,” Rattana explained.
Eventually, a stretch of Orange Avenue will also become two-way, allowing similar enhancements to encourage visitors.
The first phase of work on Magnolia Avenue is expected to take six months. For more information on the project, click here.
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