ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Police Department evacuated a downtown Orlando building Thursday afternoon along South Orange Avenue due to unstable scaffolding. Orange Avenue was closed between Church Street and Jackson Street. Orlando Police announced that the road closures will remain in place through the weekend, and could last into next week, according to a statement on Friday. 

Officials said that additional updates will be made as the situation develops.

Police evacuated other nearby buildings of an abundance of caution, but officials have not released the exact number or which businesses have been impacted.

Police asked drivers and pedestrians to avoid the area. Traffic was diverted around the area.

While parts of South Orange Avenue are closed to cars, some are also closed to pedestrians. The sidewalk between Pine Street and Church Street, for example, was closed Friday morning and blocked by gates and a police officer.

According to a spokesperson with Balfour Beatty, the construction company involved, crew noticed their scaffolding was unstable on Wednesday. The company says they immediately stabilized it, and crews are currently working to come up with a plan to take the scaffold down.

In a statement, a spokesperson wrote, in part:

“We are also working closely with the local authorities and appreciate their continued support as we work towards timely resolution. The affected area will remain secured until operations are complete. Balfour Beatty is committed to the safety of the public and the project area and will continue to work diligently with local authorities to ensure impacted areas and affected businesses can resume normal operation as soon as possible.”

There has not been any official word yet on when the sections of roadway will open, nor when the evacuated buildings will be able to open again.

People react to the news

Ronald Auyong is the regional manager of Bento, a restaurant in the area. "We have had some challenges in the past as well with some road closures, so we are going to roll with it. Fortunately, with Bento, we have a pretty large presence online as well," he said.

"You know how ever long it takes to open those roadways I'm sure is necessary, but of course we will have to make adjustments for the business and people make adjustments for themselves," he said.

LYNX bus routes have also been impacted by the road closure. Several stops have been detoured until further notice. 

Grant Ramsay works in a building that was evacuated, and says that he could be out of the office into Monday. 

"They told me we will be out of the office today, tomorrow, and possibly on Monday," he said. "I can't obviously talk to any details on it, it just seems like possibly the scaffolding is coming apart from the building, and they are putting in every safety precaution they can to make sure there are no lives in danger." 

Some, like local real estate agent Brooke Grahl, worry about the prospects of the businesses that have to close. 

"We were talking about that yesterday, it's gotta be a huge significant hit to their recenue, yeah that's not gonna be easy for anybody. For myself I'll find a way to get around it, it's just lack of convenience," she said. 

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

The Orlando Police Department evacuated a downtown Orlando building Thursday afternoon along South Orange Avenue due to unstable scaffolding. (Spectrum News/Elmancie Kelley)