SR 408 Capacity Work and Summerlin Avenue Closures Impact Thursday Commute

Downtown Arteries and Neighborhood Roadworks Update

Orlando commuters should prepare for a busy morning on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as several major infrastructure projects reach critical phases. While the interstate system is moving relatively well, the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the City of Orlando have several active work zones that will require detours or cause slow-moving traffic in the downtown and surrounding residential areas.

Major Construction on SR 408

The primary focus for today’s commute remains the ongoing capacity improvement project on State Road 408. Construction crews are currently active on the stretch between Kirkman Road and Church Street. This nearly $219 million project, which began earlier this year, involves the addition of a new eastbound lane to alleviate the notorious bottleneck approaching the I-4 interchange. Drivers should expect narrower lane widths and frequent shifts in the traffic pattern between Orange Blossom Trail and the downtown core. Additionally, construction at the Tampa Avenue interchange is impacting local traffic flow, with utility upgrades and lighting work affecting Tampa Avenue, Carter Street, and Rio Grande Avenue.

Downtown and Neighborhood Closures

Several long-term city projects continue to affect local connectivity today. Commuters who typically utilize Summerlin Avenue should note that the stretch between Livingston Street and Ridgewood Street remains closed for utility construction; this closure is expected to last through the end of the month. Other notable disruptions include:

• Summerlin Avenue at South Street: Localized lane closures for infrastructure maintenance.
• Putnam Avenue: Southbound traffic remains closed between Amelia Street and Federal Street for the Beacon at Creative Village development.
• Garden Plaza: Closed from Weber Street to Illinois Street in Colonialtown North.
• Highland Avenue: Ongoing closures near North Orange Avenue as part of the Lift Station 2 Force Main project.

MCO Flight Delays and Ground Traffic

Travelers heading to Orlando International Airport (MCO) should leave earlier than usual. Officials are reporting significant operational disruptions today, with over 230 flight delays and multiple cancellations logged this morning. These delays are causing increased congestion on Jeff Fuqua Boulevard and around the terminal arrival curbs. It is recommended to check flight statuses and monitor real-time traffic updates before heading to the airport.

Public Transit and Looking Ahead

SunRail is operating its full weekday schedule today. Riders are reminded that the special Spring Break promotional service begins tomorrow, March 13, which may increase passenger volume on the trains through next week. Lynx bus services are running on standard schedules, though riders on routes serving the North Orange and Colonialtown areas may experience slight delays due to the aforementioned utility work on Highland and Summerlin Avenues. Commuters are advised to utilize the downtown micro-transit options to bypass the densest construction zones.