KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Big changes are coming to downtown Kissimmee.
This summer, Phase 1 of the “Connect Kissimmee” complete streets improvement project is set to begin, bringing a redesigned streetscape to downtown.
The project will focus on the corridor running from John Young Parkway to Vine Street along W. Emmett Street, Broadway and N. Main Street. The city’s goals include improving pedestrian, bicycle and transit connectivity; reducing vehicle speeds and cut-through traffic; and enhancing accessibility to businesses along the corridor.
Planned improvements include a new roundabout at the intersection of Ruby and Stewart Avenue, wider sidewalks, bike lanes and on-street parking.
One of the project’s most significant changes will be to Broadway Street. It is expected to be reduced from four lanes to two. Sidewalks along the corridor would also be extended, and a bike lane would be added. The city believes the changes are designed to improve the pedestrian experience while reducing vehicle speeds.
Kyle Summers, who lived in Kissimmee for 10 years and still visits the area regularly, sees value in improving pedestrian safety.
“I still try to come back at least once a week just to walk around and see how things are,” Summers said.
He acknowledged that crosswalks in the area are often ignored by drivers.
“There’s crosswalks and stuff, but not a lot of [drivers] listen to them. So, it’s very much you just got to walk across and hope that you know, someone hits the brakes,” Summers said.
Still, Summers expressed concern that the lane reduction could worsen traffic congestion in an already busy area.
“It’s already backed up traffic as is, considering the buses and the amount of dump trucks that come through here and just everything else,” Summers said.
Those who work in the downtown area hope the improvements will encourage more people to explore the district on foot.
“I think that it’ll be better for all the businesses,” Jose Medina, who works in the area, told News 6.
The city approved the two-phase, $16.3 million project last year. This week, officials began accepting construction bids.
Phase 1 carries an estimated cost of $9,316,579, with $6,582,000 in federal funding and $2,583,842 in local funding. It is estimated to be completed in 2028.
Phase 2 carries an estimated cost of $6,983,960, with $5,527,495 in federal funding and $467,760 in local funding. Phase 2 is estimated to be completed in 2029.
Fore more information on the project, click here.