I-Drive is Becoming Safer for Pedestrians

If you’re from Orlando or have ever visited the area, chances are you’ve walked on International Drive. And, chances are you’ve had to cross the street. As one of the busiest commercial areas in Orlando and home to countless tourist attractions, I-Drive is constantly packed with people on the move.

While locals and tourists alike are nervous crossing the frenzied road, rest assured that there is a team of people working to keep you safe.

Significant changes are coming to the I-Drive corridor to help make the streets and sidewalks safer for pedestrians.

At a recent meeting in May, the I-Drive Pedestrian Safety Committee reviewed the improvements already under construction, and which crosswalks will soon get an upgrade. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office proudly reported pedestrian crashes are down for the first three months of 2019. Deputies are increasing traffic enforcement, and they recently held a crosswalk crackdown, also known as Operation BFF at International Drive and Westwood Blvd.

Here are a few construction highlights:

Improvements in the works

• Full traffic signal under construction on Universal Blvd. at Rosen Shingle Creek
• Permanent fencing going in at Rosen College where crosswalk was removed
• Duke Energy has targeted six intersections on I-Drive for lighting improvements

Improvements under discussion:

• Installing a full traffic signal at Austrian Court
• Consolidating crosswalks in front of Point Orlando
• Relocating crosswalk in front of Howl at the Moon and adding pedestrian signal

• Taking out RRFB at OCC North Concourse/Hilton Driveway on Universal Drive in order to add a full traffic signal
• Constructing another ped bridge at I-Drive and Convention Way
• Adding more cameras on I-Drive to view from traffic management center, so they can adjust signals during large events such as MegaCon

About I-Drive Pedestrian Safety Committee:

For the last 20 months, the committee has worked to identify the most pressing issues involving crosswalks in the I-Drive corridor. The committee includes members from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Public Works, Duke Energy, I-Drive District, Best Foot Forward, MetroPlan Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center. The group created a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan that has already seen a number of successes including:

• More speed limit signs installed
• Acquired 5 variable message board signs
• Promoted employee safety awareness program
• Promoted awareness in tourist publications

Best Foot Forward is proud to work with our partner organizations to effect real change, thus making streets and sidewalks safer for people who walk, bike and drive.