COLUMBUS – Drivers on the West Side will have to deal with a new temporary traffic pattern in part of the Outerbelt construction zone beginning this weekend.
Starting Sunday, the left lane of I-270 southbound will cross through a break in the barrier wall south of Roberts Road and continue in its own “express lane” for thru traffic only. Drivers in the express lane will not be able to exit at I-70 (see graphic above).
For I-70 east and west, get to the right. The center lane is for trucks, and can either continue on I-270 or exit to I-70.
The change will impact traffic Saturday night:
7 PM: I-270 south will be reduced to two lanes between Roberts Road and I-70
10 PM: I-270 south will be reduced to one lane. Ramp from Roberts Road to I-270 south will close. The detour is Roberts Road to I-270 north to Cemetery Road to I-270 south.
Ramps from I-270 south to I-70 east and west will close. The detour is I-270 south to Broad Street to I-270 north to I-70.
7 AM SUNDAY: All lanes and ramps open.
This traffic pattern is expected to be in place for a month, weather permitting.
The $58 million widening project on I-270 between Trabue Road and US 33/SR 161 is expected to be complete this fall.