ORLANDO, Fla. — Neighbors and business owners are bracing for big impacts as the city of Orlando starts a major improvement project along Summerlin Avenue.

The project began last week, and it won’t finish up for another three years.

“I think business will slow down for sure. I rely a lot on the traffic that comes, especially after school,” said Nicole Escobar, who started Honey House Vintage a year ago in Orlando’s Thornton Park.

Her business is off Summerlin Avenue, and she’s concerned construction will make it difficult to access her store.

The city of Orlando is partnering with the Orlando Utilities Commission to replace 80-year-old pipes underneath Summerlin Avenue.

The project is planned from Marks Street to State Road 408.

“I trust that what they say needs to be done, needs to be done. I just wish it wasn’t right now,” Escobar said.

A city spokeswoman said the work needs to be done now to prevent another water main break, like what the area experienced in 2018.

“What we want to avoid would be any emergent issues that would arise should this critical infrastructure not be replaced,” said Ashley Papagni, public information manager for the city of Orlando.

Besides modernizing the water, sanitary sewer and stormwater systems, the project includes new pedestrian signals along with crosswalk and curb ramp replacements.

“That’s going to make the experience of people shopping and eating down here more enjoyable and ultimately safer,” Escobar said.

Papagni said crews plan to work in phases, to prevent long-term closures or delays in the area.

“Each phase will be designed so that the area is restored and rebuilt before moving on to the next stage, ensuring that the community can continue its daily activities with minimal disruption,” she said.

The city will work to showcase small businesses that may be impacted and use social media and other ways to let the community know they are still open for business during the three years of construction.