Major Downtown Ramps Remain Closed Amid Multi-Year Freeway Reconstruction
Ongoing Downtown Ramp-Up Project
The massive I-70/I-71 Downtown Ramp-Up project continues to be the most significant factor for motorists traveling through the heart of the city this Sunday, February 15, 2026. Now in its Phase 4R and 6R stages, this multi-year effort aims to alleviate congestion at some of the state’s most frequent crash sites. Drivers should be aware that the I-70 eastbound exit to Front Street remains permanently closed as crews work on the replacement of the Front Street bridge and the construction of new urban avenues. Detours remain in place, with motorists encouraged to utilize Livingston Avenue to access High Street and the southern downtown district. Long-term construction signs and barrier walls are positioned throughout the corridor to guide traffic through the modified lane configurations.
I-70 Westbound Lane Shifts
On the west side of Columbus, significant pavement reconstruction is underway. A major traffic shift is currently in effect, with I-70 westbound traffic diverted to the eastbound side of the highway. While two lanes of travel are being maintained in both directions, the narrower lanes and lack of shoulders in this construction zone require extra caution. This configuration is expected to remain in place through the fall of 2026. Motorists traveling between the Madison County line and Hilliard-Rome Road should anticipate slower speeds and potential backups during peak afternoon hours, even on a Sunday. Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials remind drivers that these shifts are necessary to allow for the full-depth replacement of the westbound travel lanes.
COTA Service Alerts and Reroutes
Public transport users will encounter several service adjustments today. COTA’s Line 1 (Short Turn) is currently operating on a temporary reroute due to construction at Riverside Hospital. This change is scheduled to last until March 2, 2026, and stop SID 6364 remains closed to passengers. Additionally, riders on the northwest side should note that Line 75 is experiencing ongoing stop closures along Tremont Road between Wilshire Drive and Northam Road. Temporary stops have been established at Northam Road for northbound service. Riders are encouraged to use the COTA mobile app to track real-time bus locations, as construction delays can impact arrival times despite the weekend schedule.
Upcoming Alerts: Easton Transit Center
While today is Sunday, commuters should prepare for significant disruptions starting tomorrow morning at the Easton Transit Center. Beginning Monday, February 16, a portion of Transit Drive will be closed for pantograph construction. This will impact a wide range of COTA lines, including 7, 9, 23, 24, 25, 31, 32, 34, 35, 44, and 45. Riders are advised to plan for alternate routing and potential delays through Wednesday as buses enter and exit the transit center using modified paths. Following posted signage and allowing an extra 10 to 15 minutes of travel time is recommended for those working in or visiting the Easton area this week.
East Side Freeway Updates
The Far East Freeway project also continues to impact travel near the I-70 and I-270 interchange. Brice Road over I-70 remains reduced to one lane in each direction as crews continue bridge and ramp reconfiguration. While Sunday traffic is typically lighter, this bottleneck can still cause localized delays for those accessing the Pickerington and Reynoldsburg areas. Work is also progressing on the new flyover ramp from southbound I-270 to eastbound I-70, which is intended to reduce the dangerous weaving maneuvers common at this interchange. ODOT officials remind all drivers to move over or slow down for roadside workers as these critical infrastructure improvements progress toward their fall completion dates.