I-71 Southbound Flyover Now Open; Major Pavement Rebuild Slows I-70 West Near Hilliard

Morning Traffic Overview

Good morning, Columbus. For this Wednesday, March 11, 2026, commuters are navigating a landscape defined by significant long-term infrastructure shifts. While the opening of the new I-71 Southbound flyover earlier this year has begun to alleviate some congestion in the downtown split, major reconstruction projects on the West Side and the Far East Freeway corridor continue to demand extra travel time.

Downtown Ramp Up and Flyover Updates

The I-70/I-71 Downtown Ramp Up megaproject remains in a critical phase. Motorists are reminded that the new I-71 Southbound flyover ramp is now fully operational, serving as the primary route for through-traffic to bypass the traditional downtown weave. This milestone has significantly improved the flow for those heading toward the South Side. However, construction continues on the Front Street bridge and surrounding ramps. Phase 4R and 6R work is ongoing, meaning Livingston Avenue and Mound Street remain active construction zones with intermittent lane restrictions as crews work toward the scheduled completion this fall.

I-70 Western Franklin County Pavement Rebuild

On the West Side, the major pavement reconstruction project on I-70 between the Madison County line and Hilliard Rome Road is entering a new stage for the 2026 season. Traffic is currently utilizing a contraflow pattern. Drivers should expect I-70 Westbound to be reduced to two lanes, with traffic shifted onto the newly reconstructed eastbound side while crews begin tearing up the old westbound pavement. Speed limits are strictly enforced at 55 mph through this corridor, and delays of 15-20 minutes are common during the morning peak.

Far East Freeway and Intel-Area Improvements

On the east side of the city, work on the Far East Freeway project is in full swing. This involves the I-70/I-270 interchange near Brice Road. Commuters should watch for daily lane shifts as contractors work on the new flyover ramp designed to replace the existing loop from I-270 Southbound to I-70 Eastbound. Meanwhile, in the New Albany area, noise wall construction along State Route 161 continues to cause minor shoulder closures between I-270 and U.S. 62, though three lanes of travel remain open in each direction to support the increased volume toward the Silicon Heartland sites.

Public Transit and COTA Updates

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is operating on its standard weekday schedule today. Riders are encouraged to use the new customer app launched earlier this year for real-time tracking, especially for the high-frequency CMAX and Line 10 routes. Additionally, following recent public meetings, preliminary work for the LinkUS West Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line may cause minor utility-related sidewalk closures along the Broad Street corridor.