COLUMBUS – The latest change to downtown Columbus traffic patterns as a result of the huge Downtown Ramp-Up Project means the closure of an exit ramp this week.
The off ramp from I-70 eastbound to Front Street will close permanently on Friday so crews can construct a new exit ramp, according to Ohio Department of Transportation officials.
The detour is I-70 east to Livingston Avenue to N. 4th Street to W. Mound Street to High Street or Front Street.
To access the Franklin County Court House parking garage on Front Street, drivers should follow the detour to southbound High Street and continue to Sycamore Street and northbound Front Street
The new ramp from I-70 east to Fulton St. is expected to open in the fall of 2024.
West Fulton St. will close permanently June 17 between Short Street and Ludlow Street and Livingston Avenue will close to through traffic at City Park Avenue until fall 2024, though traffic coming from the exit ramp will not be impacted, ODOT officials said.
The traffic pattern on the ramp from SR 315 south to I-70 east will also change. Instead of remaining in its own lane to join I-70 east, southbound traffic coming from SR 315 will have to merge with I-70 east traffic. This pattern will be in effect for a little more than a year.
The area around the I-70/I-71 downtown split will experience lane restrictions and ramp closures due to the massive project to widen and reconstruct the roadway, replace bridges over the interstate, rebuild ramps, and construct new streets parallel to the interstate.
The project is expected to be complete in August 2025, according to ODOT.