ORLANDO, Fla. – Five immersive worlds full of awe-inspiring attractions, entertainment, hotels and dining are taking shape at Epic Universe, as Universal’s fourth theme park moves closer to its 2025 opening.
And so are the outskirts.
On Tuesday, Trooper Steve on Patrol got another an update on construction surrounding the north-to-south corridor that will connect Universal Orlando Resort’s main campus to Epic Universe.
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The Kirkman Road extension runs 1.7 miles from Carrier Drive through Sand Lake Road down to Universal Boulevard. Once complete, the stretch will include multiple lanes, including dedicated bus lanes.
“We’re going to have a world-class thoroughfare operating down a critical junction, critical spine, to augment not only I-Drive, Universal Boulevard but now Kirkman,” Universal’s Senior Vice President of External Affairs John McReynolds said during the August International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
One of the main features of the extension will be the elevated traffic circle, situated between Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna Resorts and the south end of Epic Universe. Not only will the circle purpose traffic flow, but Orange County leaders say the circle will serve as a regional landmark.
The overall goal of the Kirkman Road Extension is to improve the transportation network for the Orange County Convention Center, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and the UCF Rosen School of Hospitality Management.
The completion of the Kirkman Road extension project is scheduled for the end of 2024, which would be shortly before the scheduled opening dates of the Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts in early 2025.
Staying connected through SunRail
Someday, SunRail will serve Epic Universe.
In its partnership with the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, Universal is working to expand the commuter rail system. The Sunshine Corridor Program would connect the Orlando International Airport to the Orange County Convention Center.
According to Orlando’s Right Rail Coalition, a SunRail station near the convention center would give a new transit option for almost 100,000 workers along International Drive, including Epic Universe workers once the park opened.
Development beyond Epic
Besides a theme park and hotels, Universal is also investing in affordable housing.
In collaboration with Wendover Housing Partners, Universal’s not-for-profit Housing for Tomorrow donated 20 acres of land just east of the Orange County Convention Center in the International Drive Activity Center.
The Catchlight Crossings affordable housing community will use Orange County’s housing task force model.
“It’s a bell curve, where you’re going to have everything from below rate to that affordable housing rate, to a couple at market rate,” said McReynolds. “So you create a community, and you no longer create the poverty pockets of yesterday when you talked about affordable housing.”
Construction is set to go vertical in late 2024, with the first phase expected to open in 2026.
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