COTA Fares Waived Amid Extreme Cold; Lane Restrictions Continue on I-70/I-71

Free Transit Today: COTA Waives Fares for Cold Advisory

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has announced that all fares are waived today, Saturday, February 7, 2026, in response to a Cold Weather Advisory issued for Franklin County. This no-fare policy is in effect for the entire service day and covers all transit vehicles, including fixed-route buses, COTA Mainstream, and COTA/Plus services. The National Weather Service expects dangerously low temperatures today, with highs reaching only about 15 degrees and wind chills plunging well below zero. COTA’s policy to suspend fares during extreme cold aims to provide a safe and warm transportation alternative for residents who might otherwise be exposed to the elements. Commuters are encouraged to use the transit app for real-time bus tracking, though minor schedule adjustments are in place for several lines to maintain on-time performance during the cold snap.

Major Highway Construction and Lane Restrictions

Drivers navigating the downtown core should prepare for ongoing impacts from the multi-year Downtown Ramp Up project. Significant lane restrictions remain in place along the I-70/I-71 corridor as crews continue work on bridge replacements and roadway widening. With the Front Street bridge recently transitioning back to service, attention has shifted to the High Street bridge area. Motorists should expect narrowed lanes and shifted traffic patterns between the East and West Splits. While weekend traffic is typically lighter, the combination of icy patches from recent winter storms and active construction zones requires extra caution through the downtown trench.

Weekend Roadwork: I-70 and I-270 Updates

Beyond the downtown area, two major resurfacing and widening projects are impacting traffic flow this weekend:

• I-70 West Side: Resurfacing work continues on Interstate 70 between the Madison County line and Hilliard-Rome Road. While the heaviest work is often scheduled for overnight hours, drivers may still encounter lane closures and reduced speeds throughout the day.
• I-270 Southeast Side: Overnight closures are scheduled on the outerbelt between I-70 and Alum Creek Drive for ongoing pavement repairs. If you are traveling late tonight or early tomorrow morning, consider using U.S. 33 as an alternate route to avoid potential backups.
• I-270 North Side: Preparatory work for the widening project near Polaris Parkway may result in shoulder closures on the ramp from eastbound I-270 to northbound I-71.

Commuter Safety Tips

Given the extreme temperatures and the lingering effects of Winter Storm Fern from late January, road surfaces may still harbor black ice, particularly on bridges and overpasses. If you must drive, ensure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit and keep a full tank of gas. For those using COTA, utilize indoor waiting areas where available and dress in multiple layers. Roadway conditions can change rapidly; stay alert for salt trucks and snowplows that remain active in treating priority routes across Central Ohio.