Lighter Traffic but Free Bus Rides Amid Extreme Cold This MLK Day

Morning Commute Overview

As Columbus observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day this Monday, January 19, 2026, commuters can expect significantly lighter traffic volumes across major arteries like I-270 and SR-315. While the typical rush hour congestion is absent due to school and government closures, the primary challenges for today’s travel are the extreme temperatures and specific holiday event reroutes. A Cold Weather Advisory is currently in effect for Franklin County, with wind chills expected to dip between -5 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day. Motorists should be wary of isolated slick spots as light snow moves through the region.

COTA Alerts: Free Fares and Holiday Schedules

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has announced a significant service update for the holiday. In response to the extreme cold, all COTA transit fares are being waived today, Monday, and tomorrow, Tuesday. This no-fare policy applies to all fixed-route buses, COTA Mainstream, and COTA//Plus. Drivers and pedestrians should note the following service changes:

• Sunday Schedule: All COTA fixed-route lines are operating on a Sunday schedule today.
• Parade Reroutes: Starting at 12:00 p.m., the MLK Day Parade and Annual MLK March in Linden will cause temporary reroutes. Impacted lines include 7, 8, 9, and 11.
• COTA//Plus: On-demand service is only available in the South Columbus zone today, with regular service in all other zones resuming Tuesday morning.

Ongoing Construction and Roadworks

Despite the holiday, several long-term ODOT projects continue to influence traffic patterns in the downtown area and beyond. Commuters should remain mindful of the following active work zones:

• Downtown Ramp Up: Construction on the I-70/I-71 split continues through Fall 2026. On the west side, I-70 westbound traffic remains shifted to the eastbound side of the roadway, with two lanes maintained in each direction.
• Brice Road: Lanes are reduced to one in each direction on the Brice Road bridge over I-70.
• I-71 Widening: Work continues on I-71 between the Pickaway/Franklin County line and SR-323, with temporary lane restrictions possible.
• New Flyover Access: The recently opened I-71 southbound flyover ramp from the downtown split is fully operational and expected to help ease holiday-related congestion near the Scioto River.

Safety and Winter Driving Tips

With temperatures struggling to reach the mid-20s, vehicle batteries and tire pressure are at higher risk of failure. If you must be on the roads today, ensure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit. Traffic safety officials remind drivers to slow down when passing through work zones and to give COTA buses extra space as they navigate holiday reroutes. For those attending outdoor MLK Day events, warming centers have been opened across the city at various community centers.