I-70/I-71 Lane Shifts and Sunday Snow Expected to Delay Columbus Commuters

Morning Travel Conditions

Good morning, Columbus. It is Sunday, February 8, 2026. While Sunday mornings typically see lighter traffic volumes compared to the work week, travelers today should prepare for hazardous road conditions and significant long-term construction impacts across the metro area. A fast-moving weather system is expected to bring roughly a third of an inch of snow to Central Ohio today. With temperatures peaking at just 23°F and plummeting to a low of 8°F, slick spots are likely on major arteries including the I-270 outerbelt and the I-70/I-71 corridor.

Downtown Ramp-Up and Freeway Construction

The massive I-70/I-71 Downtown Ramp-Up project remains the primary infrastructure challenge for those navigating the city center. Key restrictions to keep in mind for your Sunday travel include:

• I-70 Pavement Reconstruction: I-70 westbound traffic remains shifted to the eastbound side of the roadway. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) confirms that only two lanes of traffic are being maintained in each direction. This configuration is a continuing impact expected to persist through the fall of 2026.
• High Street Bridge: The bridge carrying High Street over I-70 is limited to just one lane in each direction. This is part of a multi-year bridge reconstruction project scheduled to continue through 2028. Motorists should anticipate delays when crossing the freeway downtown.
• I-71 Widening: To the south, widening work continues on I-71 between the Pickaway/Franklin County line and SR 323. Travelers should watch for temporary lane and ramp closures throughout this work zone, which is slated for completion in October 2026.
• Brice Road Overpass: Traffic on Brice Road over I-70 is currently reduced to one lane in each direction, potentially causing backups for those utilizing the Far East Freeway.

Public Transit and Cold Weather Alerts

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is operating on its standard Sunday schedule today. However, due to the extreme cold—following a Saturday where temperatures were low enough to trigger emergency fare waivers—riders are encouraged to monitor service status closely. COTA typically waives fares whenever a Cold Weather Advisory or Extreme Cold Warning is issued by the National Weather Service. With today’s high reaching only 23°F and fresh snow on the ground, commuters should verify the current fare and alert status via official transit apps before heading to their stops.

Local Roadwork and Safety Advice

On local routes, projects such as the drainage improvements on Trabue Road continue to affect capacity, with the roadway reduced from four lanes to two. Given the combination of falling snow and frigid pavement, the Columbus News traffic desk advises all motorists to increase following distances and allow extra time for braking. Overpasses and bridges are expected to freeze first; please use caution when transitioning from surface streets to highway ramps.