Monday marked the first weekday of detours around construction on Orange Avenue scheduled to last for three weeks, impacting those who live and work downtown.

The road closure only affects about two city blocks on Orange Avenue, from Anderson Street to South Street, but it's a section traveled by thousands of drivers, and a change that has many of them seeing red.

"People just said that it was horrible today, and it took them an extra 20 minutes to get to work, when it usually takes them about five minutes," said driver Jennifer Kessler. "So, they were pretty upset this morning."

Many commuters had to leave a little earlier Monday morning, and they'll have to do so for the next three weeks.

"Figure out your alternate route before you leave for work," Kessler said.

Drivers can go southbound on Orange Avenue to turn right on Central and left on Division Street, then all the way to Gore Street where they can make a left turn back onto Orange Avenue.

"My anticipation is it will probably get worse before it gets better," said Christian Green, who works in downtown Orlando.

Police officers are stationed at multiple intersections to assist with the traffic changes. The closure will allow for some road and pedestrian enhancements, as well as more infrastructure in front of the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center.

"That should be pretty good," Green said. "Get the economy boosting and hopefully some more things going on with the metropolitan area."

Until then, folks will just have to be patient during morning and evening rush hours.

"Nothing really out of the ordinary that I don't see every day," said Jeremy Taveras, in Orlando. "Regular downtown traffic."

The city said there have been no accidents reported in this area and expect traffic changes and construction to go smoothly over the next three weeks.