Brady PieperThe Orange County Board of Commissioners in Florida has approved a bridge project to mitigate collisions on one of the county’s most dangerous corridors.
The estimated $35 million project – now in the design stage – will develop a new pedestrian bridge across the intersection of International Drive and Sand Lake Road in Orlando. Projected for construction in 2027, the county will pursue a unique “drone-shaped” design to reduce the corridor’s high crash rate.
The International Drive and Sand Lake Road intersection is located in southwestern Orlando, providing access to several local restaurants, businesses, retailers and entertainment locations. However, between 2017 and 2022, 661 crashes occurred at the intersection, according to a county report.
Prompting action from the community, the county’s project seeks to address the dangerous and busy corridor by constructing an elevated bridge with full pedestrian and cyclist access to the intersection’s four corners.
The expansive design, referred to as a “drone,” would feature new elevators, walkways and staircases that converge at a centerpoint.
County officials have indicated the project will be funded by existing county budget allocations, though the county may seek additional federal and state funding opportunities to finance the bridge.
With no developers attached, the county estimates an initial construction period of 18 months for the project.
Once completed, county officials anticipate the new pedestrian bridge will mitigate crashes and reduce risks for pedestrians and cyclists.
Photo Courtesy of the Orange County Government
