Florida Construction News staff writer
The ground has been broken and Magnolia Avenue in downtown Orlando will soon be reconfigured from one-way to two-way traffic, one of the first major steps in implementing the Downtown Orlando (DTO) Action Plan.
Gomez Construction Company, the city’s selected contractor for the project, will lead the construction work along Magnolia Avenue from South Street north to Livingston Street, transforming the corridor from one-way to two-way travel.
Work will improve connectivity, accessibility, and the overall downtown experience. As a parallel route to Orange Avenue, Magnolia Avenue will provide an important north–south alternative through Orlando’s historic business district. The improvements aim to make downtown easier to navigate, enhance safety for all users, and create a more inviting environment for residents, employees, and visitors.
“This project reflects our commitment to building a modern, people-centered downtown,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The city is revamping its streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transportation systems to create a modern transit network that enhances opportunities for residents and businesses while improving quality of life in downtown Orlando.”
The improvements are part of the DTO Action Plan, a long-term strategy led by the Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to enhance streets, civic spaces, mobility, and neighborhoods in downtown Orlando. Converting select corridors to two-way travel is a key element of the plan, aimed at improving mobility while creating safer, more connected streets.
Designs rethink streets, sidewalks, and transit to make downtown more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and transit riders alike, while fostering an environment where neighborhoods and businesses can thrive.
Phase 1 – Interim Improvements (South Street to Livingston Street) includes:
- Converting Magnolia Avenue from one-way to two-way traffic
- Eliminating most dedicated bus lanes and integrating LYMMO operations into general traffic flow
- Adding on-street parking
- Preparing the corridor for future streetscape and mobility enhancements
Construction is expected to last approximately six months and will proceed block by block.
