Major traffic problems next week

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

If this is in the wrong area, can the mods move iT?

For those of us in Orlando next week:-
From Orlando sentinal:-

Home show will create 'parking lot' of traffic
Officials are warning everyone to steer clear as 110,000 visitors descend on the convention center.

County planners call it the "Red Zone" -- International Drive from the Bee Line Expressway to Sand Lake Road, Sand Lake to Dr. Phillips Boulevard. And they have a simple message about it for folks next week:

Keep out.

"We're asking everyone, basically, to stay away from the Red Zone," Greg Forehand, the security and transportation manager for the Orange County Convention Center, said Tuesday.

Next week is when the National Association of Home Builders brings its annual show to town, from Jan. 13-16. With 110,000 delegates expected to attend, it will be the largest convention Orange County has ever hosted, and convention center officials briefed commissioners on preparations Tuesday morning.

Of course, that means traffic. Lots of it. Convention Center officials predict the show will attract 20,000 vehicles -- cars, trucks, buses and limousines -- each day.

They say they have planned for six months for a congestion nightmare.

Forehand said the county will bring in 57 off-duty deputies to direct cars and 50 on-duty deputies to handle security. They will synchronize traffic signals, keep a fire truck on site and add trolleys and buses.

But mostly they want people to avoid the area if they can.

They even mailed fliers and organized community meetings with surrounding neighborhoods, such as Dr. Phillips, Tangelo Park and Williamsburg, urging them to use alternate roads if they can.

"It's going to be a parking lot," Forehand said.

County officials are desperate for the show to go off without a hitch. If Orange County can handle this one, it will be able to lure more big-ticket conventions to town in the future.

And the temporary hassles are well worth it, they say. After all, 110,000 delegates can spend an awful lot of money eating, shopping and playing in theme parks.

Convention Center Director Tom Ackert said the show will generate $154 million for the region.

"It's not going to be an easy situation," Commissioner Linda Stewart said. "But the rewards are great for Orange County."

Jason Garcia can be reached at 407-420-5198 or jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com.


Big crowds at WDW because of this as well???

 

[NotUrsula]

When is that stretch of I-Drive *not* a parking lot? I always make a point of keeping well away from that area, unless I'm actually attending a convention at the OCCC.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Yes, Obi Wan, I imagine the parks will be somewhat more crowded than usual. We know one family going to the Home Show. Kids under the age of 16 are not allowed at the show AT ALL, so you can imagine where they will be if the family comes to Orlando together! I looked at the website for the show (did a search for "International Home Builders Show") and they are utilizing LOTS of hotels both in and out of WDW. They are also having a special night at MK on Thursday, Jan. 13 and a luncheon at Epcot on Friday, Jan. 14. Nobody else seems particularly concerned with how the crowd levels will be affected, but I am!

 

[perdidobay]

Where is the OCCC in relation to US/IOA?
I am guessing that I should plan to visit those parks the first of the week to avoid having to drive in the area during the convention??