ORLANDO, Fla. — The day had finally come.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Channel 9 saw crews dismantling the scaffolding that caused roads and businesses to close Thursday afternoon.
This closure impacts some busy sections of downtown Orlando -- including a stretch along Orange Avenue between Jackson and East Pine Streets.
Crews began the process of clearing out the temporary scaffolding,
After the unstable construction began to buckle last week.
Read: Crews start taking down unstable scaffolding in downtown Orlando
The contractor, Balfour Beatty, said dismantling everything would take at least another week.
The exact cause is still unclear,
But one thing is sure – it’s been quite inconvenient for some.
“Very inconvenient-- It takes twice the amount of time that it normally takes to get here, but it’s been a bit of a problem, unfortunately,” said Lou Pendas, who works in the area.
Read: Orange Avenue closed, building evacuated due to unstable scaffolding in downtown Orlando
Many people working, living, and visiting downtown said the road closures have been frustrating.
“Just here to go to the tax collector and get my license renewed, and they didn’t update the bus, so it detoured me an extra ten minutes,” said Leonard Rowley, who was visiting downtown.
The road closures caused more than two dozen businesses to close.
Read: Contractor releases timeline for removal of unstable scaffolding in downtown Orlando
Most are now back open.
But the foot traffic has not been the same,
Resulting in a loss of revenue for many.
“We have met with local businesses that have been affected and will continue to work with local authorities to support safe access where possible,” Balfour Beatty said in a statement. “Our team’s focus remains on working as quickly and safely as possible, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Video: Happening today: Crews to start taking down unstable scaffolding in downtown Orlando
It could be a while before everything is finally cleaned up.
And it’s also considering weather permitting.
In the meantime, if you work, visit, or live downtown, we have a map of the closed roads.
Channel 9 will continue to update you on how this will impact your drives.
This browser does not support the video element.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.