Disney Springs development to bring massive expansion to Buena Vista Drive

[anchorman314]

Sort of random, but a thought just popped into my head. Do any of the pedestrian bridges affect the sightlines for the traffic lights? From the angles of the pictures, it's a bit hard to tell the height difference. I'm just curious how far back on Hotel Plaza Blvd or Buena Vista (coming from SSR) you can see the lights.

 

[mm121]

This should definitely help traffic a bit once this one and the other one open up. With so many people still parking across the street, police officers will be stationed there to let endless amounts of people go across for normally 60 seconds. This should really clear that up and make getting across - whether you're a CM or a guest - a lot safer.

It hasn't been police there, its been disney traffic control/security mostly

i doubt they will direct all the pedestrian traffic to the crosswalks, as that would add quite a walk to parking over at the casting center. where as right now you just walk directly across the street.

Sort of random, but a thought just popped into my head. Do any of the pedestrian bridges affect the sightlines for the traffic lights? From the angles of the pictures, it's a bit hard to tell the height difference. I'm just curious how far back on Hotel Plaza Blvd or Buena Vista (coming from SSR) you can see the lights.

not sure, but from the pics they look to be up pretty high, worse case scenario they could add a second set of lights before the intersection to be seen from further back.

 

[Next Big Thing]

It hasn't been police there, its been disney traffic control/security mostly

i doubt they will direct all the pedestrian traffic to the crosswalks, as that would add quite a walk to parking over at the casting center. where as right now you just walk directly across the street.

I don't expect them to direct all traffic over, but with the bridge there to use, you don't need to wait. Why wait when you can just go? (Unless you have a wheel chair or stroller).

Plus, they've had hoards of people coming from multiple directions crossing the street by the Orange garage. It gets messy and take a lot longer than it should need to once the bridges are in use (and second garage is finished).

 

[halltd]

I kind of assumed that these bridges were installed so the crosswalks could be eliminated. Are there elevators in the towers? If so, I wouldn't be surprised if fences were installed on the sidewalks to prevent guests and/or cast from even trying to cross the street on grade.

 

[DisneyJulie]

As a London driver, even I don't know how to get across 5 lanes without major honking of horns.

 

[FrostyNaples]

I kind of assumed that these bridges were installed so the crosswalks could be eliminated. Are there elevators in the towers? If so, I wouldn't be surprised if fences were installed on the sidewalks to prevent guests and/or cast from even trying to cross the street on grade.

If this happens, I would agree with it.

Making it safer for everyone i would stand behind having to go up to an elevator to cross safely.

 

[toeknee]

Many of the major intersections on the strip in Vegas have bridges for people to cross to the other side. The corners are fenced to prevent everyone from crossing at street level. I assume the intent is the same at DS.

 

[articos]

Many of the major intersections on the strip in Vegas have bridges for people to cross to the other side. The corners are fenced to prevent everyone from crossing at street level. I assume the intent is the same at DS.

It is, except the Vegas pedestrian overpasses (required by the city, and paid for by the casinos) are way, way nicer (and bigger) than these.

 

[jt04]

I kind of assumed that these bridges were installed so the crosswalks could be eliminated. Are there elevators in the towers? If so, I wouldn't be surprised if fences were installed on the sidewalks to prevent guests and/or cast from even trying to cross the street on grade.

The concept art indicates massive landscaped earthen works going in that would force foot traffic on to the bridges and sidewalks. And I also assume they are doing this to cut down on traffic noise and to beautify the area. It will be much safer and traffic should flow much better. Disney is doing this project perfectly.

 

[Rob562]

It is, except the Vegas pedestrian overpasses (required by the city, and paid for by the casinos) are way, way nicer (and bigger) than these.

True, but Vegas also has a lot more foot traffic trying to cross the streets than Disney does. For the volume they have (or will have once both garages are open and guests stop parking across the street), the bridges they're installing should be fine.

-Rob

 

[articos]

True, but Vegas also has a lot more foot traffic trying to cross the streets than Disney does. For the volume they have (or will have once both garages are open and guests stop parking across the street), the bridges they're installing should be fine.

-Rob

They are absolutely fine/adequate. I don't have a huge problem with the size, although I do think they're a tad narrow if you want something that "feels" good. The bridge from Hotel Plaza over will get a decent amount of traffic. More than the size I just think - being Disney - they could have put some design into them or made them feel more high-end. They are just very basic with utilitarian materials, much like the garage. These are basic painted metal. Vegas' overpasses are designed concrete and glass, each with escalators and elevators, which give a higher-end feel to them. I have to compare all the work being done around Disney Springs to The Grove or Americana, as that's what this project essentially is. I expect Disney to match or improve upon - whether or not that's justified - and this is a step below the quality level of those projects. It's just my opinion, though - Disney/RCID has a level of quality they want to meet as they put various aspects of the project budget to work where it is needed most, and they are meeting their goals. Most guests have never heard of or been to the two lifestyle centers I mentioned, and that clientele will definitely be impressed with Disney Springs.

 

[djkidkaz]

I wonder if we'll see one of these? You'll notice in the concrete at the Landing area of Disney Springs they have trolley tracks in the pavement. Obviously in the Landing they are just cosmetic theming but it could be a sign that there will be a trolley car somewhere in Disney Springs.

 

[WDWtraveler]

Photo update as of Friday, May 29. The pedestrian bridge over Buena Visa Drive and Hotel Blvd.

 

[halltd]

Does anyone know if this intersection is going to be redone again - roadway-wise? I find it strange they broke the closest span to the photographer up into two sections when there's no roadway to the right of the mid-span concrete support tower.

PS: Thanks for the awesome pic as always, traveler!

 

[WDWtraveler]

Does anyone know if this intersection is going to be redone again - roadway-wise? I find it strange they broke the closest span to the photographer up into two sections when there's no roadway to the right of the mid-span concrete support tower.

There will be a new roadway under the crosswalk to the right of the support tower, just not built yet. As per the long range plan, there will be a Disney bus-only lane from the current Market Place bus station, under the elevated crosswalk (to the right of the mid-span concrete support tower), then parallel tos Buena Vista Drive, and finally drops guests off at the new Disney Springs entrance down the road. This allows unrestricted Disney bus traffic when Buena Vista drive is backed up with cars. The intersection above is mostly complete, with the exception of the separate Disney bus lanes.

 

[Figment2005]

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but I have been told (not seen for myself) that the bridge connecting I-4 to the garage is now connected. No roadway, but the structure is now complete.

 

[articos]

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but I have been told (not seen for myself) that the bridge connecting I-4 to the garage is now connected. No roadway, but the structure is now complete.

Not quite. The steel is in for the bridge roadbed, and the ramp that goes to the bridge from I-4 is connected, but there's a big chunk missing on the other side between where the bridge ends and the garage connector starts. I don't recommend driving it yet.

 

[halltd]

I don't recommend driving it yet.

bwahahhahahahaha!!!! That cracked me up! Thanks!

 

[matt9112]

The concept art indicates massive landscaped earthen works going in that would force foot traffic on to the bridges and sidewalks. And I also assume they are doing this to cut down on traffic noise and to beautify the area. It will be much safer and traffic should flow much better. Disney is doing this project perfectly.

Be careful using the guise of safety....it is one of the most abused words in society.

But yes these bridges are a safe idea.

 

[matt9112]

I wonder if we'll see one of these? You'll notice in the concrete at the Landing area of Disney Springs they have trolley tracks in the pavement. Obviously in the Landing they are just cosmetic theming but it could be a sign that there will be a trolley car somewhere in Disney Springs.
View attachment 94733

this would add cost and upkeep and bring no ROI....disney says no.