Columbus Traffic Alert: Winter Weather and Major Highway Projects Create Friday Delays

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in Columbus should prepare for a challenging Friday morning as winter weather and extensive highway construction converge. Following a Winter Storm Watch issued for the Central Ohio area late yesterday, residual snow and icy patches are impacting major arteries. Local authorities are urging motorists to allow extra travel time and maintain significant following distances, particularly on elevated ramps and bridges where black ice may persist.

Major Highway Impacts

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues to report significant impacts related to the ongoing I-70/I-71 Downtown Ramp-Up project. Key areas of concern for today, Friday, January 23, include:

• I-70 Downtown: Construction activities remain focused on the I-70/I-71 corridor. Expect narrowed lanes and shifting traffic patterns near the split.
• I-70 Pavement Reconstruction: Westbound traffic on I-70 remains shifted to the eastbound side. While two lanes are maintained in each direction, the configuration is causing bottlenecking during peak hours.
• Far East Freeway: Work on the Brice Road bridge over I-70 has reduced the roadway to one lane in each direction. Northbound Brice Road commuters should expect delays when attempting to access the I-70 westbound ramp.
• SR-315 South: Following recent incidents near the Franklinton area, lane restrictions may be present as crews perform routine maintenance and debris clearance from the overnight weather event.

Local Road Closures and Construction

Beyond the interstates, several long-term projects are affecting local navigation:

• Trabue Road: The Franklin County Engineer’s office reminds drivers that Trabue Road is reduced to two lanes (one in each direction) for bridge and roadway work. This restriction is expected to remain in place through the end of the year.
• Ohio Expo Center: 17th Avenue remains closed from Clara Avenue to Dora Avenue due to the Expo 2050 master plan construction. Secondary closures on Velma Avenue and Silver Drive are also active.
• Renner Road: Eastbound traffic continues to be detoured via Alton & Darby Creek Road to Roberts Road.

COTA Public Transit Updates

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has several service alerts active for today. Commuters using public transit should be aware of the following:

• Line 11: Active reroutes are in place for Line 11 South and East due to local construction, impacting stops between South 4th Street and East Town Street.
• Line 4: Southbound reroutes are affecting the Fairwood area.
• January Service Changes: Riders are reminded that the 2026 service adjustments are now fully in effect, including increased frequency on Line 6 along Sullivant Avenue and new stops in the Crosswoods area for Line 102.

Drivers are encouraged to check real-time speed maps and use caution in work zones, as fines are doubled when workers are present.