Extreme Cold Alerts and Major SR 408 Construction Impacting Orlando Travel Today

Extreme Cold and Roadway Safety

Orlando motorists should exercise extreme caution this morning, Sunday, February 1, 2026, as a rare weather event impacts the region. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning and a Freeze Warning for Central Florida, with temperatures dropping significantly below 40 degrees. While ice is not expected to be a primary concern on the asphalt, high wind advisories are in effect, which can create hazardous steering conditions for high-profile vehicles on elevated overpasses like the I-4 Ultimate and the Beachline Expressway. Commuters are advised to allow extra time for vehicles to warm up and to be mindful of potential debris on the roads following overnight gusts.

Major Roadworks and Arterial Closures

The recently launched State Road 408 improvement project is causing significant shifts in traffic patterns today. Construction is active on the nearly $219 million project to add eastbound lanes between Church Street and Interstate 4. Drivers should expect ramp narrowing and shifted lanes near the Tampa Avenue and Orange Blossom Trail exits. Additionally, the modernization of toll sites into electronic gantries is ongoing, which may result in temporary lane closures near the I-4 interchange.

Several local street closures are also in effect due to long-term infrastructure projects and stadium renovations:

• Church Street: Remains closed from Tampa Avenue to Rio Grande Avenue for the Camping World Stadium Reimagining project.
• Muriel Street: Closed between South Orange Avenue and Delaney Avenue in the Wadeview Park area.
• Fox Street: Closed between McCullogh Avenue and Bennett Road in Colonial Town Center.
• Summerlin Avenue: Closed between South Street and Church Street in Downtown Orlando.
• Fern Creek Avenue: The intersection at Oregon Street is closed for utility improvements.

Public Transport and Transit Alerts

In response to the severe weather, LYNX has announced emergency transit modifications. Special cold weather shuttle pickups are scheduled for today at Bithlo Community Park at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to transport residents to the Goldenrod Recreation Center warming station. Transit users can ride any LYNX bus for free if they inform the driver they are traveling to a designated cold weather shelter. SunRail remains on its standard weekend hiatus today, with no passenger service scheduled for Sunday.

Airport and Event Traffic

Travelers heading to Orlando International Airport (MCO) should prepare for congestion. Flight tracking data indicates MCO is currently experiencing average departure delays of approximately 36 minutes. Local traffic near the Old Town Entertainment District is expected to increase between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. due to the Waggin’ Weekend Festival. Furthermore, light to moderate crowd-related traffic is anticipated near the Walt Disney World resort area as the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts continues alongside various youth cheer and dance competitions scheduled for the weekend.