Major Ramp Closures at I-70/I-71 Interchange and COTA Reroutes for February 21

Downtown Interchange and Ramp Closures

Commuters heading through the heart of Columbus this Saturday, February 21, should prepare for significant disruptions as the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) continues intensive work on the downtown ramp system. Several critical connectors within the I-70 and I-71 corridor are currently closed for construction. Key closures include the I-70 westbound ramp to I-71 southbound and the 3rd Street ramp providing access to I-70 westbound. Additionally, the ramp from State Route 315 southbound to I-70 eastbound remains inaccessible.

Drivers are encouraged to utilize the I-670 northern arc as a primary detour to avoid the downtown bottleneck. Those traveling from the south toward Livingston Avenue will also find the I-70 eastbound ramp to Livingston Avenue closed, requiring alternate routes through the surface streets of the Brewery District or German Village.

Ohio State University Campus Restrictions

In the University District, long-term construction projects are impacting local traffic flow. Woody Hayes Drive is seeing ongoing lane and sidewalk restrictions, which also include the closure of the Midwest Campus bus stop. These closures are expected to remain in place through the summer. Furthermore, Herrick Drive is currently under lane and sidewalk restrictions between Olentangy River Road and the medical center area. Motorists in these zones should watch for increased pedestrian activity and follow all posted detour signage.

COTA Transit Alerts and Reroutes

Public transit riders should be aware of several specific reroutes currently in effect for Saturday service. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has announced that Line 1 (Northbound and Southbound) is undergoing reroutes near Riverside Hospital due to localized construction. This adjustment is expected to last through early March, with buses bypassing their normal layover points at the hospital. Line 75 is also seeing significant changes, with multiple stops along Tremont Road between Wilshire Drive and Northam Road closed. Temporary stops have been established at the intersection of Northam and Tremont to accommodate riders in the Upper Arlington area.

Additionally, those using Line 32 and Line 34 should check for specific bay changes at the Easton Transit Center, as ongoing facility improvements have altered standard boarding locations.

Weather and Road Safety

With snow returning to Central Ohio this weekend, conditions may become slick on elevated surfaces and ramps. Maintenance crews and snowplows are active across the regional interstate system. Drivers are reminded to maintain a safe following distance and allow extra travel time, particularly when navigating the active work zones downtown where lane shifts are in place.