ORLANDO, Fla. — The light at the end of the tunnel could be nearing for those who have suffered through South Orange Avenue construction.

What You Need To Know

  • Work began on Orange Avenue in SODO back in 2022 as an OUC water main project

  • Florida Department of Transportation began resurfacing work earlier this year

  • Residents and businesses have complained that the work has caused traffic backups

  • FDOT officials say they hope to wrap up work at end of the year

Lane closures caused by the roadwork has caused two years of headaches and backups in South Downtown Orlando.

For a couple years, those who live and work in the area have wished this construction would end.

The project started in the spring of 2022 as an Orlando Utilities Commission water main project. After delays, including some caused by hurricanes, that work wrapped up this past spring.

As that project was finishing up, the Florida Department of Transportation began resurfacing work.

That $4.7-million construction is still ongoing, as FDOT tries to improve on-street parking, crosswalks and sight lines for traffic turning from side streets. The plan also adds new pedestrian lighting and traffic separators for the center two-way left turn lane.

Some SODO businesses have closed since the work began in 2022.

An FDOT timeline shows construction wrapping up by the end of the year.

But weather, like Hurricane Milton, can cause delays. Currently the FDOT website says work will be finished in early 2025.