ORLANDO, Fla. – Crews will begin dismantling this week a scaffolding at a construction site in downtown Orlando that has threatened to collapse.
The scaffolding at 222 South Orange Avenue has had nearby roads and businesses closed for nearly a week.
Balfour Beatty, which is overseeing a construction project at the building where the scaffolding is located, said it anticipates the process to start Thursday and take about a week.
A spokesperson described it as “a very intricate operation” and involves the use of specialized equipment, which arrived over the weekend.
“The site and surrounding area remain closed and we are working to provide additional resources to businesses impacted. We understand the importance of resolving the problem quickly and deeply regret any inconvenience resulting from the need to restrict access to the area during the process, but our top priority is the safety of downtown businesses, residents and our people,” Balfour Beatty said.
Equipment rolling through Downtown Orlando this morning heading toward the unstable scaffolding on Orange Ave.
— Emily McLeod (@emilycmcleodtv) August 15, 2023
We’ll have a timeline on when we can expect the scaffolding to be dismantled coming up on @news6wkmg at Noon! pic.twitter.com/nD9zhaXZB7
Yehya Rizeq is the owner of Crepe Delicious on Church Street. While his business didn’t have to close, he said they’re still taking a major hit as a result of the closures.
“The restaurant is empty now because it’s very difficult to come to downtown Orlando, especially on Orange [Avenue] and Church Street,” Rizeq said.
Rizeq estimates they’re losing $500 a day as a result of the closures in downtown Orlando prompted by the unstable scaffolding.
“If we are talking about 10 days now, it’s like $5,000 losses,” Rizeq said.
Even though they’re not as busy, they still have to prep the store just like any other day.
“Every day, like we cut the tomatoes, we cut the lettuce and everything,” Rizeq said. “And then we have to throw it out at the end of the day because if you don’t have business, then a lot of supplies, you’re throwing them out.”
For roadways, the following areas have been closed as work continues to remedy the scaffolding issues:
- Orange Avenue from Central Avenue to Jackson Street
- Pine Street Garland Avenue to Court Avenue
- Church Street Garland Avenue to Court Avenue
Meanwhile, certain areas were closed down to pedestrian traffic, as well. Those areas include:
- East of 55 West to Court Street on Church Street.
- 120 South Orange Ave. to Jackson Street
To stay up-to-date on closures, click here.
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