Orange Avenue closed, building evacuated due to unstable scaffolding in downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — A portion of Orange Avenue is closed and a downtown Orlando building is being evacuated Thursday due to unstable scaffolding.

People were originally asked to avoid the area of Orange Avenue between Church Street and Jackson Street on Wednesday evening. Police extended that request until at least Thursday night.

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Police are diverting all vehicle and pedestrian traffic away from the area because of concerns that the scaffolding could fall.

Orlando firefighters said they are assisting Orlando police and city officials on the scene.

Read: ‘Unstable scaffolding’ closes downtown Orlando street, police say

“OFD is assisting both OPD and City traffic control as the contractor of the project continues to assess, manage and addressing the scaffolding issue downtown. Roadways remain closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Please continue to avoid the area,” firefighters said.

A spokesperson from general contracting company Balfour Beatty told Channel 9 they are working on a deconstruction plan of the scaffolding and working diligently to resume normal operations.

Channel 9 has a crew on the scene monitoring the area. Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.

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