State Road 408 on Orlando's east side is a stretch of toll road that is 13.1 miles long.

Without traffic, it is an easy 15- to 20-minute commute from most locations, but it is under construction and crowded, making it some drivers' worst nightmare.

When the 408 is jammed or closed, you’ll need an alternate, and WESH 2 traffic reporter Danielle Bellini's pick is Colonial Drive.

Bellini started her drive on S.R. 408 at state Road 417 traveling westbound toward downtown Orlando.

"When traffic starts to back up, get off," Bellini said. "Exit right off the 408 onto Semoran Boulevard. You'll have to make a quick right. It will take you right onto Semoran."

Even when Semoran is pretty busy, Bellini said drivers just have to travel a few minutes north onto Colonial Drive-state Road 50.

"It's a big intersection," Bellini said. "You'll know when you reach it because you'll see two car dealerships, one on each corner."

Traffic gets a bit busier after passing the Fashion Square Mall.

"As we travel closer to the city, that's where traffic begins to get more congested, and we start to see more traffic lights," Bellini said.

The road becomes narrower, going from three to two lanes in each direction. Colonial Drive has a lot of traffic lights, but Bellini said it beats the other alternates.

"We considered all the alternates," Bellini said. "We even drove Lake Underhill Road, but it's only one lane in each direction. It's a bit too narrow, so back on Colonial."

When you pass the big hot dog stand, you know you are close to Mills Avenue and pretty close to where you need to be.

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