Kissimmee city commissioners will move forward next summer with a road project they hope will change the fabric of downtown — transforming it from a cut-through for motorist into a final destination.

The connect-kissimmee-plan approved April 6 would narrow nearly two miles of downtown’s main road between John Young Parkway and Vine Street from four lanes to two. The over $16.3 million project aims to make downtown more pedestrian friendly by widening sidewalks and slowing vehicle traffic.

Commissioners wrestled for years with the idea of the “road diet” — decreasing lanes to improve safety, reduce speeds and enhance mobility for everyone — because business owners were concerned about the financial impact. Downtown streets are home to the city’s nightlife and lined with restaurants and shops.

But the tide seemed to change at a Jan. 7 commission meeting where business owners spoke in favor of it.

Ray Parsons, owner of popular restaurant and bar 1881 on Broadway, asked commissioners at that meeting to follow through on long-discussed plans to reimagine the corridor and reduce lanes.

“People relate to that historic downtown area when they identify with Kissimmee,” Parsons said. “It’s difficult politically, it’s something that takes courage because not everyone is going to agree, but this board needs to agree.”

Funding would come from the city and Florida Department of Transportation grants — but at this point it’s unclear how much state money would be involved or how much the city has set aside. The city said work is expected to begin in August 2026 and end in 2029.

City engineer David Gomez said in addition to narrowing the streets, work would include adding a roundabout at the intersection with Ruby Avenue and Emmett Street, extending sidewalks, adding bike lanes and street parking, and resurfacing W. Dakin Avenue, W. Monument Avenue, W. Darlington Avenue and N. Stewart Avenue.

Gomez said the first phase would add the roundabout, bike lanes and street parking on Broadway from Stewart to Neptune Road. The next part would begin roughly eight to nine months after phase one work ends and includes adding paver stones to intersections from Neptune Road to Vine Street, he said.

Although all commissioners backed the project, some expressed concerns about it at the meeting.

Commissioner Carlos Alvarez questioned what kind of impact two years of construction would have on businesses. With the city currently mulling options for a hotel in the downtown corridor, he said he’s worried about a large amount of construction in coming years.

City Manager Mike Steigerwald acknowledged the work would cause some disruptions — especially in terms of sidewalk use.

“The reality is the road diet will be a little more impactful on the merchants downtown because we’re going to be taking the sidewalks out further,” Steigerwald said. “We’re looking to incorporate a plan within the construction project to notify the businesses periodically as the project is occurring.”

Commissioner Angela Eady expressed concerns about the city’s Christmas tradition — the Festival of Lights Parade — a downtown staple for over two decades. The event draws thousands from across the region who line the sidewalks as cars decorated with colorful lights slowly drive by.

“We can’t go two years without a Christmas parade,” Eady said.

But Steigerwald said construction would be paused for large annual downtown events.

Alex Alemi, a Kissimmee resident who frequents commission meetings, told them he saw the project as an instance where commissioners listened to public feedback.

“I think it represents a real evolution of our downtown, taking it down to one travel lane in each direction,” Alemi said. “I think it’s going to help revitalize our downtown businesses … it’s going to support the local economy.”