ORLANDO, Fla. – Drivers got their first look Monday of what rush-hour traffic will be like near Orlando's City Hall for the next three weeks.
A one-block section of Orange Avenue was closed over the weekend between South Street and Anderson Street.
"Traffic is not that bad, usually, but this is inconvenient," said one driver.
According to the city of Orlando, the closure is in place to allow for pedestrian enhancements in front of the new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, which is under construction. The roadway will also be realigned to add a turn lane for the upcoming expansion of Interstate 4.
Since Orange Avenue was closed on Saturday, there has been some confusion from drivers. A Local 6 camera captured a few close calls, including one driver that was nearly hit by another car.
Detour signs are in place to help drivers navigate around the road closure. Drivers will need to turn right on South Street and use Division Street to continue south. Drivers can also use Anderson Street to get back to Orange Avenue.
"That's a six-block detour," said John Hewitt, who commutes downtown daily. "You got to go all the way around and come up here just to get to work downtown."
Orange Avenue is expected to reopen when construction finishes on August 10.