For the first time in decades, Orange, Magnolia, and Rosalind avenues may be converted into two-way streets as a result of significant modifications that are now being planned for the downtown area of Orlando.
In the 1970s, these roadways were transformed into one-way streets, thus that would be the most significant alteration that has occurred to them since then.
There will be one lane in each way, and there will be a median in between them.
According to the authorities of the city of Orlando, converting the roadways to be two-way will slow down traffic, which is exactly what they want to happen.
According to David Barilla, who serves as the executive director of the Downtown Development Board in Orlando, “The goal is that if you are utilizing the streets in this core, that your destination is already in this core as well.”
“And you have the best opportunity and the best experience not only to get there, but also to stop there and have a great experience.”
Downtown businesses would receive a boost, according to Barilla, as a result of the plan, which would include the removal of lanes that are exclusively designated for buses and the addition of bike lanes, broader walkways, and additional pickup zones.
Despite the fact that Orange, Magnolia, and Rosalind avenues are only going to have a single lane for traffic traveling in both directions, Barilla stated that the objective is to direct traffic to the downtown area rather than through it.
“There is probably going to be a better solution for you, whether it be Interstate 4 or something else,” he said. “If your goal is to maybe get to the other side of downtown, whether it be the north side or the south side, depending on where you are, that there is almost certainly going to be a better solution for you.”
It is anticipated that Magnolia Avenue will be converted into a two-way roadway by the end of the year 2025 or the beginning of the following year.
After that, construction will start on turning Orange and Rosalind into two-way streets.
This project is expected to be finished by the beginning of 2028, according to officials from the city.