The City of Orlando has committed to innovatively merging infrastructure improvements with an aesthetic appeal to enhance safety within the community. These types of improvements are proven safety projects that not only make it safer to cross the street but make those intersections stand out through the use of art.
The latest Downtown Quick Build Infrastructure Project included additions of murals, artistic bulb-outs and crosswalks at major intersections along Rosalind Avenue, Orange Avenue and Magnolia Avenue. The chosen intersections were selected through the city’s High Injury Network (HIN). The project supports the goals of the City’s Project DTO 2.0 Action Plan and continues the City’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate serious injuries and deaths on city roadways by 2040.
In addition to the new safety measures, the “green” bike lane along Rosalind Avenue was refurbished from Church Street to Concord Street with added separation and “bend-ins” at intersection crosswalks. The city also resurfaced Rosalind Avenue from South Street to Robinson Street.
The artistic bulb-outs are designed to slow down the speed of vehicles and minimize conflicts at intersections. Research conducted from the Bloomberg Philanthropies reports that asphalt art has significant safety benefits, resulting in a 50% decrease of pedestrian crash rates and a 37% decrease in crashes leading to injuries. The new additions will further include observational behavior improvements such as an increase of cooperation with walk signals and drivers yielding to pedestrians.
Local artist, Justin “SKIP” Skipper is the creative force behind the murals installed at four intersections in downtown Orlando. Skipper started painting on January 8th at Orange and Pine and completed the murals on January 31st ending at Orange and Washington. The murals showcase the city’s dedication to creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists while incorporating a vibrant touch.
With the high-volume of pedestrian activity in downtown Orlando, prioritizing road safety is essential. The city’s initiative highlights the significance of advancing pedestrian safety while simultaneously using captivating canvases to foster awareness.
The developments of these projects have bolstered a heightened sense of caution to individuals when navigating public spaces. These initiatives are designed to educate pedestrians and drivers about responsible traffic practices and conduct safety advancements to downtown’s urban landscape.
A complete list of the artistic and safety improvements include:
Five intersection murals:
- Orange Avenue and Pine Street
- Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard
- Orange Avenue and Washington Street
- Orange Avenue and Church Street
- Rosalind Avenue and Washington Street
Eight artistic bulb-outs and crosswalk locations:
- Orange Avenue near Central Boulevard
- Intersection of Orange Avenue and Robinson Street
- Intersection of Orange Avenue and Concord Street
- Intersection of Rosalind Avenue and Jackson Street
- Intersection of Rosalind Avenue and Church Street
- Intersection of Rosalind Avenue and Washington Street
- Intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Amelia Street
- Intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Concord Street
Three locations with bike lane separation and bend-ins:
- Rosalind Avenue and Church Street
- Rosalind Avenue and Washington Street
- Magnolia Avenue and Concord Street
This project is part of the City of Orlando Transportation Department’s new Quick Build Infrastructure Program to execute high-impact safety projects more quickly and cost-effectively than traditional improvement projects.
