Heavy Saturday Delays: Best Damn Race and Pro Golf Traffic to Impact Orlando Arteries

Significant Congestion Forecast for Saturday, March 7, 2026

Orlando commuters and residents should prepare for a particularly busy Saturday on the roads. A combination of major athletic events, professional golf, and large-scale infrastructure projects is expected to create significant bottlenecks throughout the city and the tourist corridors. Local authorities are advising drivers to plan for extra travel time or seek alternative routes where possible.

Downtown Road Closures: Best Damn Race Orlando

The morning commute through Downtown Orlando will be heavily restricted due to the Best Damn Race Orlando, which includes a half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Starting at 3:00 AM and lasting until approximately 2:00 PM, several streets surrounding Lake Eola Park will be closed to vehicular traffic. Major impacts are expected on East Washington Street and the intersections surrounding the 512 E. Washington Street race hub.

As a result of these closures, LYNX has announced planned reroutes for several bus lines. Commuters relying on the following routes should expect delays and temporary stop relocations:

• Link 3 (Lake Margaret Drive)
• Link 11 (S. Orange Avenue / OIA)
• Link 13 (University Boulevard / Winter Park)
• Link 15 (Curry Ford Road)
• Link 18 (S. Orange Avenue / Kissimmee)
• Link 51 (Conway Road)
• Link 62 (LYMMO Grapefruit Line)
• Link 104 (East Colonial Drive)

I-4 Construction and Tourism Corridor Alerts

Travelers heading toward the attractions should exercise caution on Interstate 4. The "Moving I-4 Forward" initiative is in full swing, with active construction zones in the Project 3 and Project 4 phases. Drivers should expect lane shifts and narrow shoulders near the ChampionsGate and Osceola Parkway interchanges. Additionally, work continues on the Daryl Carter Parkway and Sand Lake Road Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) projects, which may cause slowing between the tourist district and the Dr. Phillips area.

Compounding the traffic in Southwest Orlando is the Saturday round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club and Lodge. Expect heavy volume on Apopka-Vineland Road, Sand Lake Road, and Turkey Lake Road throughout the day as spectators arrive for the tournament.

Public Transit and Evening Event Volume

While SunRail typically does not operate on Saturdays, LYNX continues to provide regional service, though passengers should be aware of the recent system-wide shifts in Seminole County, where many traditional bus routes have been transitioned to the Scout on-demand service. In the evening, traffic is expected to spike near the Kia Center for the Conan Gray concert at 8:00 PM and around the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center for performances of Hell's Kitchen. Parking garages in these areas will likely reach capacity early.

Ongoing Construction Notices

In addition to the major events, several long-term road closures remain in effect across the city, including North Fern Creek Avenue at Oregon Street and portions of Putnam Avenue near the Creative Village. Drivers are encouraged to stay alert for updated signage and detours throughout the weekend.