Magnolia Avenue - Phase I Improvements

Last updated on December 12, 2025

The city is moving forward with plans to redesign Magnolia Avenue, from South Street north toward Livingston Street, to create a safer, more intuitive, and more walkable downtown corridor. Magnolia Avenue runs parallel to Orange Avenue and will serve as an alternative north–south route through the Historic Business District. Today, many downtown streets are one-way and built for fast, high-volume traffic, which can make walking, biking, transit use, and everyday navigation more difficult.

This project is part of a long-term effort to make downtown Orlando more vibrant and welcoming. Magnolia Avenue was converted into a one-way roadway in the 1950s to support commuter traffic after the construction of Interstate 4. Community input gathered through earlier planning efforts, including the 2003 Downtown Orlando Action Plan and a recent traffic study completed in 2022, emphasized the need for more walkable streets, better mobility options, and improved connections for everyone traveling downtown.

The current project will convert Magnolia Avenue back to a two-way street, remove most of the dedicated LYMMO bus lane, integrate bus operations into regular traffic, add on-street parking, and upgrade sidewalks, landscaping, and overall streetscape features to create a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment.

Potential Impact

Construction is expected to last approximately six months and will occur block by block with full roadway closures from curb to curb; some intersections may be temporarily closed.
Sidewalks will remain open throughout construction, with occasional short detours at intersections.
Traffic delays are expected in the area; travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes.
Delivery vehicles will use available parking spaces for loading and unloading.
Temporary driveway access restrictions may occur; advance notice and alternative parking options will be provided.
Trash and recycling collection will continue as scheduled with no changes.
Work hours will generally be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional night or weekend work.
Mail delivery, emergency access, and essential services will not be interrupted.
Unforeseen delays, such as adverse weather conditions, may impact the construction schedule.