This portion of the project will close the existing gap in the Orlando Urban Trail, providing a continuous, off-street connection from downtown Orlando to Winter Park.
A new 10-foot-wide shared use path will be built along the west side of Orange Avenue from the Colonial Drive Overpass north to Marks Street, cross Orange Avenue diagonally at Marks Street, continue north along the east side of Orange Avenue across Weber Street, then extend east along the north side of Weber Street to Magnolia Avenue.
In addition to high emphasis crosswalks (green trail crossings) at three intersections, the new trail segment will include widened sidewalks, increased landscaping, enhanced wayfinding signage, underground utilities and a new traffic signal at Magnolia Avenue and Weber Street.
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
Work is expected to start in mid- to late-August 2021, with the section on the west side of Orange Avenue, south of Marks Street. Work will be performed in phases, in coordination with utility work planned within the same area. The trail is expected to be completed in June 2022.
LIFT STATION 2 FORCE MAIN AND OUC WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS
In coordination with Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), the City of Orlando Public Works Department will be constructing a new sanitary force main, potable water main, raw water main, gravity sewer improvements and OUC electric duct bank, within part of the same area as the Orlando Urban Trail Gap, on Orange Avenue and on Weber Street. This project is expected to start in the spring of 2022 and take approximately 30 months to complete.
CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS
The first phase of construction, along Orange Avenue, will require the closure of the westernmost lane of Orange Avenue between Marks Street and Park Lake Street. A dual lane closure may be required at times, but would start after 9:30 a.m. Commuters may experience slight travel delays.
As part of the project, on-street parking will be permanently removed from the west side of Orange Avenue between Marks Street and Colonial Drive and reduced on the south side of Weber Street between Orange Avenue and Magnolia Avenue.
Driveways or entrances may be impacted temporarily as the project progresses. Should this occur, the contractor will coordinate with residential complexes and businesses to help maintain access.
Work hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The contractor will have the option to work on Saturdays.