KISSIMMEE, Fla. – A busy Kissimmee intersection is getting a multimillion-dollar upgrade aimed at easing congestion and improving safety.

City officials said construction is underway at West Oak Street and John Young Parkway, a high-traffic area known for backups and accidents. The more than $3 million project will widen lanes, improve traffic signals and enhance pedestrian access.

For drivers like Jose Centeno, the improvements can’t come soon enough.

“The plans are great, and it’s better to do this street because there are a lot of accidents, and the traffic just keeps growing,” Centeno said in Spanish.

Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa said the project is about more than just widening roads.

“It’s not just going to be road widening but also pedestrian safety,” Espinosa said. “I think that’s the biggest challenge we have. People say it’s not safe.”

Business owners in the area, like Victor Urena, have witnessed firsthand the congestion and close calls.

“The other day there was almost an accident, right there,” Urena said. “They get in between, and it’s very congested.”

The project includes converting a right-turn lane into a through lane to improve traffic flow, along with upgrades to sidewalks, drainage and lighting. Urena said the improvements are critical, especially given the number of healthcare facilities in the area.

“It’s very congested, especially because of the hospital and pretty much all of this area is health-related,” he said.

City officials expect construction to be completed by spring 2026. Until then, drivers should prepare for lane shifts and possible delays.