Easton Transit Reroutes and Overnight Ramp Closures Highlight Monday’s Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Columbus drivers and transit riders should prepare for a series of new construction projects and service adjustments starting today, Monday, February 16, 2026. While major morning arteries are currently flowing at typical Monday levels, significant reroutes at the Easton Transit Center and ongoing work in the Downtown Ramp Up project will impact travel throughout the day and into the evening hours.

Downtown Highway and Ramp Impacts

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues its extensive I-70/I-71 reconstruction. Commuters should be aware of the following overnight impacts and permanent pattern changes:

• Overnight Ramp Closures: The I-71 northbound ramp to I-70 westbound is scheduled for overnight closures from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. through Tuesday, February 17. Additionally, SR 315 northbound and southbound under I-70 will see overnight closures between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. this week.
• High Street Restrictions: High Street over I-70 remains reduced to one lane in each direction for bridge reconstruction. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid congestion during peak hours.
• Permanent Changes: Drivers are reminded that the 3rd Street ramp to I-70 westbound and the I-70 eastbound ramp to Livingston Avenue are permanently closed. Access to Livingston Avenue is now diverted through Fulton Street and 3rd Street.

Public Transit: COTA Service Alerts

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has issued alerts for several major reroutes beginning this morning:

• Easton Transit Center: Due to pantograph construction, a portion of Transit Drive at the Easton Transit Center is closed starting today, February 16, through Wednesday, February 18. This affects Lines 7, 9, 23, 24, 25, 31, 32, 34, 35, 44, and 45. Riders should follow posted signage at the transit center as buses will use alternate boarding locations.
• Riverside Hospital Area: Line 1 (Short Turn) continues to be rerouted through March 2 due to construction at Riverside Hospital. Stop SID 6364 remains closed during this period.

Local Roadworks and Long-term Projects

Local commuters in Grove City and near the fairgrounds should note specific project starts and ongoing closures:

• North Meadows Drive: Lane restrictions are in place starting today through February 20 for the North Meadows Realignment Project. Work will occur daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with traffic maintained by flaggers. Delays are expected near the Mt. Carmel Lane intersection.
• 17th Avenue: 17th Avenue near the Ohio Expo Center remains closed from Clara Avenue to Dora Avenue. This closure is expected to remain in effect through April 30, 2026, to accommodate Expo 2050 construction work.

Commuters are advised to allow extra travel time if passing through the downtown corridor or using the Easton Transit Center. Weather conditions remain favorable for these scheduled projects, but all outdoor construction is subject to change based on local conditions.