A long-awaited pedestrian bridge is finally headed to one of Orange County’s busiest and most hazardous intersections—International Drive and Sand Lake Road—offering a safer route for thousands of pedestrians, both locals and visitors.
County commissioners have voted to move ahead with a design study for the $35.63 million undertaking, a key step toward ultimately building it. If all goes as planned, the work could begin in 2027 and be completed by 2030.
The bridge is designed to enhance pedestrian safety in an area that has seen growing traffic levels, which have been amplified by the recent opening of the Epic Universe theme park. Over the past five years, the I-Drive intersection has seen more than 660 crashes.
Futuristic Design
The designs call for a distinctive, drone-shaped bridge with stairwells and elevators to ensure accessibility. The architects also plan to incorporate solar panels and dynamic, shifting-color lights to illuminate the bridge at night.
Although the design study has passed, final construction contracts and full funding still need to be finalized. The county authorities have not even agreed on how the 18-month building phase might impact traffic flow or business accessibility in the area.
Calls for safer pedestrian accommodations at the site have been ongoing for more than a decade. Residents and businesspersons alike have repeatedly protested the dangers of crossing the multilane intersection, which is often dense with local and tourist pedestrian travel. Many believe that the lack of a safe crossing has discouraged walking and made the site less attractive.
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I-Drive Pedestrian Bridge Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: International Drive and Sand Lake Road intersection, Orange County, Florida
Project Cost: $35.63 million
Current Status: Design study approved by county commissioners
Proposed Timeline: Construction 2027-2030 (18-month construction period)
Design Features
Structure Type: Distinctive drone-inspired pedestrian bridge design
Accessibility Features:
Elevators for universal access
Staircases for general use
Futuristic Innovative Elements:
Solar panels for sustainable energy generation
Dynamic, color-changing LED lighting system for nighttime illumination
Read also: Infinite Reality Unveils Plans for 60-Acre Flagship Campus in Fort Lauderdale
Timeline
2024: Design study approval
2027: Projected construction start (pending funding and approvals)
2030: Projected completion
Duration: 18-month construction period
Outstanding Considerations
Final funding mechanisms and sources
Traffic management during construction phase
Business continuity planning for nearby establishments
Integration with broader International Drive infrastructure improvements
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