Kissimmee discusses Broadway reconstruction and lane-elimination option; staff to seek contract amendment and cost estimate

Commission members and members of the public discussed the Connect Kissimmee Broadway Reconstruction project and an option to remove the outside travel lanes to create wider sidewalks and a more pedestrian-focused downtown. City staff described the project's years-long planning history, funding structure and a May funding deadline tied to the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT).

Resident Ray Parsons urged the commission to push the Broadway reconstruction to completion, calling it the "keystone" of downtown revitalization and asking the commission to adopt a construction plan. "It's really the heart of downtown," Parsons said during the public-comment period. Tom Capp, another downtown resident, asked the police to ticket trucks that use Broadway as a nightly cut-through and suggested reducing Broadway to one travel lane each direction while using the outer areas for angled parking or pedestrian space.

City Manager Mr. Steigalwalt (as identified at the meeting) outlined the project's multi-year history of studies, public outreach, and shifting commission direction. He said earlier commissions declined lane reductions, so the current design under development had preserved the existing four-lane profile with traffic-calming features (raised, brick intersections) and locally funded side-street and streetscape improvements. The city manager said DOT and MetroPlan favor pedestrian-oriented designs; removing the outside lanes would align with that objective but requires additional local funding and design work.

Mr. Steigalwalt said the current project estimate is $9.3 million, with DOT funding $6.5 million. He said a schematic estimate for eliminating the outside lanes would add roughly $3.2 million; the city has included $3.2 million in recently issued bonds to cover additional local costs if the commission decides to pursue the lane-elimination option. He warned DOT requires the city's funding commitment by May to retain the DOT share.

Staff described a phased approach: locally funded side-street and streetscape work could be performed first while DOT-funded Broadway work proceeds. The manager said eliminating the outside lanes will require further design work but likely would not significantly reduce roadway capacity because planned left-turn lanes increase throughput. He recommended careful logistical planning to avoid major downtown disruption during events such as Boo on Broadway and the holiday parade.

Commissioners expressed support for preserving the DOT funding opportunity while acknowledging the community interest in lane reduction and wider sidewalks. The commission did not take a final vote to change the design at this meeting. Instead, the manager said staff will request a price from the project consultant, prepare a contract amendment to evaluate the lane-elimination approach and return the amendment to the commission for approval. The commission would need to vote to authorize the contract amendment and any subsequent design change.

What happens next: staff will secure a price to amend the consultant contract, draft amendment language and present options to the commission; the commission must vote to authorize any design change or additional funding commitment.