COLUMBUS, Ohio – Although the giant Columbus Crossroads highway construction project near downtown will not be complete until next year, highway ramps affected by the I-71/670 interchange makeover will be open in two weeks, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Southbound lanes will be open by 5:00 a.m. Monday and the northbound lanes a week later, ODOT spokeswoman Nancy Burton said.
The Columbus Crossroads project includes 22 new bridges, more than 30 retaining walls and the start of two new city streets, all of which Burton says will increase capacity and improve safety on the 60’s-era highway.
The following changes are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8-Monday, Nov. 11:
8:00 p.m. Friday — the ramp from I-670 west to I-71 south will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to State Route 315 south to I-71 south.
9:00 p.m. — the ramp from I-670 east to I-71 south will be closed. Traffic will be detoured on I-670 east to Leonard Ave. to I-670 west to State Route 315 south to I-71 south. I-71 south will be reduced to one lane and the ramp from 11th Ave. to I-71 south will close.
10:00 p.m. — I-71 south traffic will be detoured to I-670 west to State Route 315 south to I-71 south.
By 5:00 a.m. Monday, the ramps will be open, Burton says.
Here is what will be new for motorists traveling through I-71/670:
The ramp from 5th Ave. to I-71 south will be open. This ramp has been closed for the last two years.
The new ramp from Cleveland Ave. to I-670 east and I-71 north and south will be open.
The new ramp from I-71 south to Spring St. will be open.
The new ramp from I-670 west to Spring St. will be open.
Get up-to-date traffic and construction information, 24-hours a day, along with information about the I-70/I-71 Corridor.