ORLANDO, Fla. – As the eagerly anticipated U.S. Olympic Team Trials approaches on Saturday, the City of Orlando, in collaboration with event partners, is diligently preparing for the downtown event.
The city says it hopes to spread crucial details about potential transportation disruptions affecting traffic patterns, pedestrian flow, detours, and parking arrangements for both attendees and non-attendees.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
“In our planning efforts, our main goal was to try to ensure these impacts are as minimal as possible,” Jim Young, Orlando manager of special events, said at a news conference earlier this month. “Additionally, we will be present and on the ground during the event to monitor it and make any needed adjustments.”
Traffic in downtown Orlando was even slower than normal on Friday ahead of the event.
Residents and businesses in the area have been sent notifications for months detailing the closures.
Officials said they divided the affected areas into zones and then assigned each zone a level based on the closures.
The closures are expected to last from 5 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, with some areas remaining closed until Sunday.
The marathon route and closures can be found below:
To facilitate a seamless experience, here are the transportation impacts leading up to the event.
Road closures
- For the 2.2-mile race loop, road closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3.
- The 8-mile race loop will lead to road closures from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the same day.
- The course map is divided into 10 specific zones with three different levels indicating the impact on vehicular access for residences or businesses along the affected roadways.
408 exit and entrance closures:
- State Road 408 will remain open, but all downtown exits and entrances from Lake Underhill Road to Orange Avenue will be closed from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 3.
- Specific closures for eastbound and westbound exits and entrances are detailed, with suggested detour routes.
Pedestrian access:
- Pedestrian crossings along the race course will be open until 9 a.m., after which access will be limited to specific crossings.
- Post-race, pedestrian crossings are expected to reopen at approximately 2 p.m., following runner clearance.
Parking alternatives:
- Due to potential vehicle access limitations, residents or businesses may need to relocate vehicles outside of road closures if access is required during event hours.
- Click here for parking garage options during the marathon.
The city and event partners have established a dedicated website, email, and hotline to provide location-specific information and address questions related to transportation plans.
For comprehensive information on road closures, pedestrian access, and more, click here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: