Orange County commissioners voted Tuesday to continue negotiations on a $19.4 million promenade project that will reshape the busy International Drive (I‑Drive) corridor near Sand Lake Road. The effort is intended to make the heavily traveled tourist area safer and more accessible for pedestrians, including families, seniors and visitors to the theme parks.
Why the promenade matters
The intersection of I‑Drive and Sand Lake Road sees a constant flow of vehicles and foot traffic. Residents and frequent walkers say the current layout forces pedestrians to take long, indirect routes. “To walk even a short distance, what should be a short distance is actually a long, long distance because of the way pedestrians have to travel,” said Luciana Fortes, a local resident who regularly walks the stretch.
Commissioners agreed that the proposed promenade would address those concerns by widening sidewalks, adding retaining walls, fountains, small parks, public art and other amenities. The design is meant to complement a separate pedestrian bridge that is already planned for the same intersection.
Project timeline and funding
According to project leaders, the promenade is part of the broader “I‑Drive 2040” vision that was first outlined in 2017 but stalled for several years. A representative for the partnership between the Gateway Development Authority and Orange County explained, “What this partnership does between Gateway and Orange County is that it just expands the vision geometrically in many different ways. It takes the I‑Drive 2040 vision, which has been lost since 2017, and it really starts to turn it into reality.”
The county has earmarked $19.4 million for the promenade, with construction slated to begin in 2028 and run through 2029. The pedestrian bridge would follow, with work expected to start after the promenade is completed and continue through 2031.
Community response
Local walkers and tourists have voiced support for additional crossing options. Zach Nobel, who often walks the area, said drivers heading to nearby theme parks do not always notice pedestrians. “We only have the crosswalks, which are safe for pedestrians,” Nobel said. “Other than that, there’s not many safe ways to get across the streets.”
Commissioners emphasized that the promenade and bridge together will provide safer, more direct routes for those on foot, reducing the need for drivers to make sudden stops and improving overall traffic flow.
Next steps
The commission will keep negotiating with developers, the Gateway Authority and other stakeholders to finalize design details, cost sharing and construction schedules. Once agreements are reached, the project will move to the permitting stage before breaking ground.
Residents can expect regular updates at future commission meetings, where the public will have opportunities to comment on the design and implementation of the promenade.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
