Because this is a utility-driven roadway project, impacts—including changing traffic patterns and occasional access limitations—can extend beyond just the immediate work zone as crews move north.

Where Phase I is, and why it affects commutes

The City describes Phase I as a City + Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) partnership upgrading utilities along about 1.26 miles of Summerlin Avenue—from Marks Street to South Street. The project includes water and gravity sewer improvements (including replacing water main infrastructure dating to 1938), plus roadway restoration and pedestrian-safety upgrades such as new pedestrian signals and crosswalk/curb ramp replacements for ADA compliance.

Summerlin & Marks Street: full intersection closure and detours

What to expect: The City says the Summerlin Avenue and Marks Street intersection is expected to be closed beginning early June 2026 for approximately three to four months, with an anticipated reopening in Third Quarter 2026.

Detours listed by the City:

• Northbound on Summerlin Avenue: may detour east or west using Park Lake Street.
• Drivers traveling east on Marks Street: Turn right on Park Lake Street, turn left on Laurel Avenue, then turn right onto Marks Street.
• Drivers traveling west on Marks Street: Turn left on Park Lake Street, turn right on Eola Avenue, then turn left onto Marks Street.
• Eastbound on Marks Street (alternate City routing): Turn right on Eola Avenue, turn left on Park Lake Street, turn left on Laurel Avenue, then turn right to return to Marks Street.
• Westbound on Marks Street (alternate City routing): Turn left on Laurel Avenue, turn right on Park Lake Street, turn right on Eola Avenue, then turn left to return to Marks Street.

If that intersection is part of your daily errands, commuting, or deliveries, plan extra time and build your route around the posted detours before the closure starts.

Overnight traffic shifts at Summerlin & Colonial Drive

The City says construction activity at Summerlin Avenue & Colonial Drive is scheduled to begin April 26, 2026, with an anticipated duration of 10 to 12 weeks.

During this nighttime period, the City expects temporary lane closures and traffic shifts as crews progress north along Summerlin Avenue, crossing Colonial Drive, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. The project page also notes typical work hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (with night/weekend work only if conditions require it).

Why disruption may feel bigger than the exact work intersection

Even when crews are working at a specific corner, the City also approved staging/laydown logistics tied to Phase I. In a Jan. 27, 2025 agenda coversheet, the City described a Construction Staging License Agreement for the Summerlin Avenue Improvement Project – Phase I, allowing Gibbs & Register, Inc. to use City-owned vacant property at 536 W South St and 412 Chapman Ct for construction staging/laydown.

According to the coversheet, the license’s initial term is 12 months, with renewals that can extend the total term up to 36 months, and the contractor is expected to handle maintenance and restore the site at the end of use. In practical terms, that can mean equipment/material handling and day-to-day access changes beyond the immediate lane work.

What else is happening nearby as crews move north

The project page also notes that Phase I work progresses along Summerlin Avenue with different shutdowns at different legs. For example, the City says work at Summerlin Avenue & Harwood Street is set to begin early May 2026, with the intersection closed for approximately three to four months—so residents should expect the disruption to shift north over time.

What to do next

• Re-check the City’s project page before trips because the City uses scheduled/anticipated language.
• Use the direction-by-direction detours for the Marks Street closure instead of assuming one single route fits all drivers.
• Plan for possible access interruptions: the City says there might be periods when some residents can’t use driveways during construction, and that the contractor will provide advance notice and recommend alternative parking spots.
• Allow extra time during the overnight window near Colonial Drive once nightly work begins.

Sources

• City of Orlando — Summerlin Avenue Improvement Project – Phase I (project page with closure windows and detours)
• OUC — Infrastructure Projects (shows Summerlin Avenue Improvement Project – Phase I as a partnership project with the City of Orlando)
• City of Orlando Agenda Cover Sheet (Jan. 27, 2025 meeting) — Construction Staging License Agreement for Summerlin Avenue Improvement Project – Phase I (Gibbs & Register, Inc.)

Quick heads-up for today and next week

• First Street (west of Rogers): closure begins July 15 for approximately one week.
• College Avenue (south of Third): still scheduled to reopen on July 24.
• Kirkwood/Rogers intersection: temporary lane shifts at each leg while foundations for new signal poles are installed, with each leg impacted for 1–3 days.

First Street (west of Rogers): closure window starting July 15

Starting July 15, First Street west of Rogers Street is expected to be closed for approximately one week. If you normally travel that corridor—whether you’re commuting, dropping kids off, or making deliveries—plan for slower trips and possible route changes during the closure window.

The City notes the schedule reflects the best available timing as of July 13 and that dates may shift based on weather and project needs.

College Avenue (south of Third): reopening expectation for July 24

College Avenue south of Third Street remains closed, with an anticipated reopening on July 24. For residents and businesses near that stretch, the practical takeaway is to plan around that window and re-check day-of status before driving through.

Kirkwood/Rogers area: lane shifts while signal work continues

At the Kirkwood and Rogers intersection, the update describes temporary lane shifts at each leg while foundations for new signal poles are placed starting the week of July 13. The City’s plan indicates that, on each leg, the through lane will be closed and shifted into the left-turn lane, and the left-turn lane will be shared for right-turn, through, and left-turn maneuvers.

Each leg is expected to be impacted for 1–3 days, so drivers may see changes from day to day across the intersection. Re-check routes if you’re traveling through during peak times.

Later-in-July work: West Kirkwood and Rogers updates

The July 13 update also points to additional staged construction after the initial mid-July moves:

• West Kirkwood Avenue: closure begins July 20 for approximately two weeks. The City says access to local businesses and residences will be maintained. The work is staged by intersection, beginning with closures at Jackson Street and Maple Street while Fairview Street remains open for local access.
• Second Street and Rogers Street intersection area: closure timing is to be determined, expected after College Avenue reopens and First Street work is complete.
• Rogers Street at Dodds: the City lists a north-leg closure at Dodds, with expected timing in the last week of July. Dodds will be open to east-west traffic with a detour in place for the intersection closure.

How to confirm day-of impacts: inRoads and the Road Closings feed

The fastest way to confirm what’s actually in effect on the morning you drive is the City’s inRoads system. The City also directs residents to the Road Closings open-data feed, which is published through inRoads and includes a “Last Updated” timestamp.

• Before you leave: check the inRoads interactive map for the exact block/segment status.
• Verify freshness: look at the “Last Updated” time in the open-data feed so you’re not relying on an older schedule.

The Bloomington Star also points readers to inRoads as the place to check current road and construction impacts.

Practical planning tips for commuters, parents, and nearby businesses

• Add time if your commute uses First Street west of Rogers during the July 15 closure window.
• Plan pickup/drop-off with extra buffer near Kirkwood/Rogers, since the intersection is scheduled for short, staged lane impacts.
• For businesses: if curb access or customer traffic depends on these streets, check inRoads before scheduling deliveries or staff arrivals.
• As July 24 approaches: re-check status the day before—and again the morning you travel—if you typically use College Avenue south of Third.

Sources

• Indiana Daily Student (republished City update): July road closure updates (July 13, 2026) — First Street July 15; College Ave reopening July 24
• City of Bloomington Open Data: Road Closings (inRoads feed) — includes “Last Updated”
• inRoads events map (City of Bloomington) — interactive road/sidewalk/parking status
• The Bloomington Star: July closures context (Grimes/College/Walnut) and how to check inRoads