ORLANDO, Fla.  – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is improving mobility in the downtown Orlando area by reconfiguring South Street under Interstate 4 (I-4) into a two-way street. Construction is anticipated to start as soon as January 21 and should be completed in March.

The addition of an eastbound lane on South Street will simplify travel for motorists entering and exiting I-4 Express. Currently, South Street only allows for westbound travel at the I-4 Express interchange.

The project will also improve pedestrian safety for those looking to cross in front of the eastbound I-4 Express exit ramp and westbound I-4 Express entrance ramp. The addition of larger pedestrian refuge areas will not only give pedestrians more space to wait for a cross signal, but also shorten the distance a pedestrian must cross, reducing the risk of conflict with vehicles.

Overnight closures may be necessary to accommodate the work, and construction is expected to take six to eight weeks. Modifications or extensions to the construction schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.

Please view the accompanying handout for more information about the South Street traffic pattern changes and pedestrian safety enhancements.