Major SR-408 Delays and Cold Weather Alerts: Orlando Commute Update

Arctic Blast Impacts Morning Drive

Orlando commuters are facing a frigid start this Thursday, January 29, 2026, as the back end of Winter Storm Fern sweeps through Central Florida. With overnight lows dipping into the 30s, drivers should be alert for potential frost on windshields and overpasses. While roads remain largely dry, the record-breaking cold has prompted emergency measures across the region. Officials recommend allowing extra time for vehicle warm-ups and staying cautious on bridges where surface temperatures may be lower than the surrounding pavement.

Major Construction and Road Closures

The massive $218 million expansion of State Road 408 is now in full swing, significantly impacting traffic flow in the downtown core. Commuters should expect the following disruptions:

• SR-408 Eastbound: Work continues on the addition of a fifth lane between Orange Blossom Trail and the I-4 interchange. Frequent lane shifts and narrow shoulders are in place; please adhere to the reduced speed limits in this active work zone.
• Summerlin Avenue: Total closures remain in effect between South Street and Church Street, as well as between Livingston Street and Ridgewood Street. These closures are part of long-term utility and road improvement projects and are expected to last through early February.
• Lake Baldwin Lane: The road is currently closed to through traffic between Jake Street and Nolan Court for re-roofing and maintenance. This closure is scheduled to wrap up by January 31.
• Muriel Street: Traffic remains diverted between South Orange Avenue and Delaney Avenue due to ongoing construction in the Wadeview Park area.

Public Transit Alerts and Festival Reroutes

LYNX riders should be mindful of several service adjustments effective today. Most notably, the Zora Neale Hurston Festival begins its planned reroutes at 12:00 PM today. Links 1 and 9 will be detoured around the festival site through Sunday evening. Additionally, commuters are reminded of the system-wide service changes that took place earlier this month, which saw the discontinuation of several routes including Links 34, 45, and 103.

In response to the freezing temperatures, LYNX is offering free transportation to official cold-weather shelters. Passengers only need to inform the driver they are traveling to a warming center to receive a fare-free ride. These pickups are available at various hubs, including Bithlo Community Park, with shuttles running to the Goldenrod Recreation Center at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. tonight.

Airport and Long-Distance Travel

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is reporting high passenger volumes today as flight schedules return to normal following weather-related disruptions in the Northeast. While flight operations are stabilizing, the high volume of incoming travelers may lead to increased congestion on Jeff Fuqua Boulevard and the surrounding access roads. If you are heading to the airport, aim to arrive at least three hours prior to your departure to navigate potential delays at security and check-in counters.