ORLANDO, Fla. – The first phase of a project designed to improve safety, walkability and access for businesses along Magnolia Avenue in downtown Orlando is nearing completion.
Crews have been working for the past several months to convert Magnolia Avenue from a one-way street into a two-way road between Livingston Street and South Street, near the Dr. Phillips Center.
The project includes restriping the roadway and adding on-street parking on both sides of the street. Commissioner Shan Rose said the changes were prompted in part by concerns from downtown businesses.
“We heard from a lot of the businesses downtown that there was an opportunity,” Rose said. “They were losing customers because an Uber driver would come in, park and get a $27 ticket while picking someone up or stopping at a business.”
[WATCH: Downtown Orlando drivers concerned over proposed two-way street conversions]
LYMMO buses will travel with regular traffic instead of using a dedicated lane. Rose said city officials studied the change and do not expect it to affect travel times or the frequency of service.
The project is intended to create a safer, more welcoming downtown while supporting small businesses, Rose said.
“This is our commitment at the city of Orlando to improving our downtown and supporting our small businesses,” he said.
The first phase is expected to be completed in October. The second phase will begin immediately afterward and will include additional lighting, as well as plans for on-street festivals and other events along Magnolia Avenue.
The second phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.