Level 3 Snow Emergency: Roads Closed for Most Columbus Commuters

Emergency Travel Restrictions in Effect

Monday morning commutes in Columbus have been effectively canceled for the majority of residents as Franklin County remains under a Level 3 Snow Emergency. Following the heavy impact of Winter Storm Fern, which dumped approximately 11 inches of snow across the region, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has closed all roadways to non-emergency personnel. Under a Level 3 emergency, only those traveling for essential personal emergencies or critical work duties are permitted on the roads; all other drivers are subject to arrest.

Public Transit Updates and Fare Waivers

For those essential workers who must travel, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is currently operating, though significant delays are expected due to snow-packed roads and ongoing plowing operations. Notably, COTA has announced that all fares are waived through the end of service today, Monday, January 26, due to the extreme cold advisory and hazardous conditions. Commuters should be aware of major service changes taking effect today:

• Line 22 & Line 24: Both lines now run through the Mobility Center at Rickenbacker (MCAR) and will no longer serve the Marathon stop.
• Line 71: An additional morning trip to Downtown and an extra evening trip from Downtown have been added to improve capacity for Hilliard commuters.
• Schedule Adjustments: Minor timing changes have been implemented on Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 25, 45, 61, and 102 to improve on-time performance during the winter months.

Major Construction and Arterial Restrictions

Even as ODOT crews work to clear the interstates, several long-term closures and lane restrictions related to the Downtown Ramp Up project continue to impact traffic flow for emergency vehicles and essential transit. Key restrictions to note include:

• The I-70 westbound ramp to I-71 southbound is closed for construction.
• The 3rd Street ramp to I-70 westbound remains closed.
• The SR 315 southbound ramp to I-70 eastbound is currently inaccessible due to ongoing work.
• High Street over I-70 is limited to one lane in each direction.

Extreme Cold Warning

In addition to the hazardous road conditions, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning. Wind chills are expected to dip as low as -15°F during the day and may reach -25°F by late tonight. If you are an essential worker operating a vehicle, ensure you have a full tank of gas and an emergency kit. Those waiting for COTA buses should utilize the Transit app for real-time arrival tracking to minimize time spent outdoors on exposed platforms.