Icy Hazards and Arctic Chill: Commute Advisories for Columbus

Dangerous Cold and Icy Arteries

Columbus is currently facing a record-challenging arctic blast this Saturday, January 31, 2026. With temperatures plunging to a forecast low of -6°F—threatening to break the 2004 record—and wind chills reaching as low as -20°F, commuters are advised to exercise extreme caution. The primary hazard this morning is the surge in water main breaks across the city, which have created flash-freezing conditions on several local streets.

Specific Road Closures and Hazards

• German Village: Bruck Street remains closed and heavily iced over following a significant water main break. Local residents report vehicles becoming trapped in thick ice near the historic district, and cleanup crews are working in subzero conditions to clear the area.
• Hilltop/West Side: Wheatland Avenue is experiencing significant disruptions due to flooding and subsequent icing from a recent break. Motorists are urged to avoid the area as heavy machinery is on-site to remove ice from the roadway.
• General Conditions: The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has deployed crews for 12-hour shifts to treat major highways. However, officials warn that road salt is significantly less effective at melting ice when temperatures drop below 20 degrees. Drivers should expect slick spots even on treated surfaces like I-70 and I-71.

COTA Public Transit Alerts

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is operating on a standard Saturday schedule, but riders should be aware of specific stop closures and reroutes currently in effect:

• Line 75: Ongoing stop closures and reroutes are in place on Tremont Road near Wilshire Drive and Northam Road. Passengers should use the temporary stops provided.
• Line 35: The stop at Morse Road and Westerville Road remains closed; riders are directed to nearby stops at Dunbridge Street or Wallingford Avenue.
• Easton Transit Center: Bay 3 remains closed for Line 24. Passengers should check bus headers and use available alternate bays at the center for pickups and drop-offs.
• Service Changes: Reminder that as of January 26, Lines 22 and 24 have been rerouted to serve the Mobility Center at Rickenbacker (MCAR), no longer terminating at the Marathon stop.

Commuter Safety Tips

If you must travel today, ensure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit including blankets and a phone charger. Allow extra time for your commute, as ODOT snowplows are maintaining a heavy presence and require at least 200 feet of following distance to operate safely. Public transit users are encouraged to monitor the Transit app for real-time arrival updates, as the extreme cold may cause minor delays in service frequency.