ORLANDO, FL — A futuristic pedestrian bridge project on International Drive is one step closer to reality after Orange County Commissioners voted unanimously on June 17 to advance the project into a design and planning phase with a budget of $35.63 million.
The proposed bridge, shaped like a drone, will feature stairs, elevators, advanced lighting, and the potential for solar panels. Its goal is to enhance pedestrian safety in a busy area that is often crowded with tourists and locals. According to a report in Orlando Business Journal, construction is expected to begin in 2027, with a projected completion date around 2030. Funding for the project will come from the International Drive Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).
HHCP and Avcon created the conceptual design, and a formal request for construction proposals is anticipated by mid-2025, with a notice to proceed expected in early 2026. While the construction phase has not yet been fully funded, the design and preliminary stages are progressing.
Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad commented, “This is a great example of how having a tourism economy can contribute to improving our quality of life. Congratulations on creating an Instagram-worthy bridge that adds value to our community.”
Local businesses, including the I-Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, have supported the initiative, citing long-standing safety concerns at the intersection. Joshua Wallack, CEO of Mango’s Tropical Café, originally proposed the idea for a pedestrian bridge in this location back in 2013.
Blanche Hardy, a project manager with Orange County’s transportation division, praised the design as “unique,” adding, “Even Las Vegas does not have anything this nice.”
How the Cost Compares Nationally
At $35.63 million, the International Drive pedestrian bridge is significantly more expensive than the national average for similar infrastructure.
- Typical pedestrian bridge costs in the U.S. range from $1 million to $10 million, depending on location, materials, span, and design complexity.
- In Austin, Texas, a pedestrian bridge completed in 2021 over Barton Creek cost around $9 million.
- In Atlanta, the 2019 Jackson Street pedestrian bridge replacement was completed for roughly $5 million.
- The Iconic Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge in San Diego, known for its architectural appeal, cost $26.8 million when completed in 2011.
By comparison, the Orlando project is more than three times the cost of the San Diego bridge, suggesting that its aesthetic ambitions and tourism-centric location are contributing to its high price tag.
A Costly Solution Amid Florida’s Pedestrian Safety Crisis
Florida’s push to improve walkability comes amid grim statistics. According to data from Smart Growth America’s Dangerous by Design report, Florida consistently ranks as the deadliest state for pedestrians.
- In 2023, Florida had the highest pedestrian death rate in the country, with nearly 3.7 deaths per 100,000 residents—almost double the national average.
- Metro areas like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami frequently appear in the top 10 most dangerous cities for pedestrians.
The high pedestrian fatality rate has been attributed to decades of car-centric urban planning, wide high-speed roads, and limited pedestrian infrastructure. Advocates argue that projects like the I-Drive bridge are overdue efforts to reverse these trends.
While some critics may question the project’s hefty price tag, supporters see it as a necessary investment—not just in safety, but in Orlando’s identity as a world-class tourist destination.
“This bridge is more than just a crossing—it’s a statement about what kind of city we want to be,” said Maria Triscari, CEO of the I-Drive Chamber. “Safe, smart, and ready for the future.”
