Columbus Commute Alert: High Street Bridge Restrictions and Permanent Ramp Closures Impact Saturday Travel

Columbus Traffic and Commute Update: Saturday, March 7, 2026

As the massive $1.4 billion Downtown Ramp Up project enters its final scheduled year, Columbus commuters should prepare for significant navigation changes and ongoing bridge work this Saturday. While the major arteries remain open, several permanent closures and lane restrictions are reshaping the weekend travel landscape through the city's core.

Major Freeway Updates: I-70/I-71 Split

Following a brief scare yesterday when a car hauler struck the South Front Street bridge over I-70 East, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has confirmed the structure is safe and all lanes have been reopened. However, drivers should not expect a return to "normal" patterns. The following permanent closures from late 2025 remain in effect and are likely to cause confusion for weekend visitors:

• The 3rd Street Ramp: The ramp from 3rd Street to I-70 Westbound is permanently closed. Motorists are advised to use 3rd Street to Mound Street to access the interstate.
• Livingston Avenue Access: The I-70 Eastbound ramp to Livingston Avenue is no longer in service. Instead, drivers must take the I-70 Eastbound ramp to Fulton Street, then proceed to 3rd Street to reach Livingston Avenue.
• High Street Bridge: High Street over I-70 remains reduced to one lane in each direction. This bridge reconstruction is a critical part of the current phase and is expected to cause bottlenecking throughout the day.

Local Roadwork and Expo Center Closures

Beyond the downtown split, construction at the Ohio Expo Center has significantly altered access to the fairgrounds. 17th Avenue is currently closed for an extended period between Clara Avenue and Dora Avenue to accommodate the Expo 2050 master plan projects. This closure impacts Velma Avenue and Silver Drive as well, so those heading to weekend events in the area should utilize 11th Avenue or Hudson Street as alternatives.

Public Transit and COTA Service

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is operating on its standard Saturday schedule today. Riders should note that while seasonal services like the Zoo Bus do not return until May, COTA is currently rolling out its new customer-facing app for Mainstream services. Due to the ongoing construction on High Street and the permanent ramp shifts, several downtown lines may experience minor delays as they navigate the mandatory detours. Riders are encouraged to use digital tracking to monitor real-time bus locations.

Commuter Advice for the Weekend

With temperatures stabilizing following the early-week wintry mix, road conditions are generally clear of weather-related hazards. However, the complexity of the new traffic patterns at the I-70/I-71 interchange makes it the highest-risk area for secondary accidents. If your destination is the Brewery District or German Village, consider entering from the south to avoid the restricted High Street corridor.