COLUMBUS, Ohio – Motorists northbound on the West Outerbelt began driving on new pavement between Grove City and Hilliard last week. Now, it’s time for the southbound lanes to get ready for prime time.
The state’s $80 million west side project rebuilt every lane of I- 270 from U.S. 62 to Roberts Road, widened 11 bridges and reconstructed the entrance and exit ramps at Georgesville Road, Broad Street and I-70.
It was the first major rehabilitation of this section of I-270 since it was constructed more than 50 years ago, ODOT officials said.
Most of the work removing concrete barriers and crossover traffic patterns will take place between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., but ODOT says there will be some disruptions to travel during non-peak hours on Friday:
From 9: a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 9:00 p.m. to 5 a.m.: I-270 south with be reduced to one lane between I-70 and Broad Street.
Also at 9:00 p.m, the following ramps will close:
Broad Street east to I-270 south – The detour is Broad Street to I-270 north to I-70 east to Wilson Road to I-70 west to I-270 south.
I-270 south to Broad Street east and west – The detour is I-270 south to Georgesville Road to Broad Street.
I-70 east to I-270 south – The detour is I-70 east to Wilson Road to I-70 west to I-270 south.
All lanes of I-270 south and the ramps are expected to be open by 5:00 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday, 7:00 a.m.: I-270 south will be reduced to two lanes between I-70 and Roberts Road. By 3:00 p.m., all lanes of I-270 south will be open.
Sunday, 7:00 p.m.: I-270 south will be reduced to one lane between Cemetery Road and I-70. The ramp from Roberts Road to I-270 south will also close. The detour is Roberts Road to Hilliard-Rome Road to I-70 east to I-270 south. The ramps to and from I-70 will remain open.
By 5:00 a.m. Monday, drivers will be traveling on new pavement with no more cross-over lanes, ODOT spokeswoman Breanna Watzka said.
Watzka says one lane will remain closed in each direction between Broad Street and U.S. 62 while crews finish removing the cross-overs.
All lanes are expected to be open by November 1, she said.