Colonial Drive back open after truss for new pedestrian bridge is installed

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - West Colonial Drive is back open after crews took a major step in building a new pedestrian bridge that will help people cross safely.

A new truss was put up overnight, as the city builds a 230-foot pedestrian bridge to help people cross Colonial Drive. 

“It actually may cut down on traffic, too,” said Takeisha Middleton, “because more people are walking, versus driving.”

Cranes will hoist up the metal span and set it across Colonial Drive, connecting two concrete pylons and completing a major step in this pedestrian bridge.

When the project is done, the bridge will link the Orlando Urban Trail with the Gertrude’s Walk path in Downtown Orlando. It will become the city's first trail overpass. 

People hope it won't cause too much of a backup overnight.

“Just from the way the traffic looks here, that's gonna cause some chaos," said Amina Ramsey, a FAMU Law student. "Hopefully they can get it in as quick as possible."

The entire overpass project is set to be finished in early 2019.