Local

Downtown Orlando road construction project behind schedule

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 has learned a busy downtown Orlando street that's been closed for weeks will be shut down for even longer.

Gore Street is closed south of State Road 408 while crews install new underground cables and pipes.

The project was supposed to be complete Thursday, but it's behind schedule. Officials said crews found underground communications and sewer work that they didn't know needed to be taken care of.

An project extension by the city gives the contractor, CE James Company, about four more weeks to finish the work.

Project managers believe they'll be able to get the work done, but the city is skeptical and said it would impose fines if the work is unfinished.

Residents in the area told WFTV they aren't surprised that the project didn't meet its deadline.

"I don’t understand what it is that takes so long on projects. Up north they get cranking on projects because the know they’re limited on time," said resident Mike Wilson. "I guess maybe they feel a little more lax around here because they don’t worry about winter approaching."

Another nearby project on Summerlin Avenue is also behind schedule. The contractor working on that project also claims they will finish by the September deadline.