Morning Rain and Major Downtown Ramp Closures Impact Columbus Commute

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in Columbus can expect a damp start to their Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as unseasonably warm temperatures and scattered light rain showers move through the region. With highs forecast to reach a near-record 67°F, the primary concern for the morning drive will be wet pavement and reduced visibility during periodic downpours. While the dense fog that plagued the area yesterday has largely cleared due to increasing winds, motorists should remain cautious on major arteries like I-70 and I-71, where ponding on the roadway is possible during the morning peak.

Major Roadworks and Interstate Closures

Several significant construction projects continue to impact traffic flow, particularly within the downtown corridor as part of the ongoing Downtown Ramp Up project. Key updates for today include:

• SR 315 Southbound: The southbound lanes of SR 315 under I-70 are subject to overnight closures. While the road is scheduled to reopen by 5:00 a.m. this morning, a second closure is slated to begin tonight at 10:00 p.m. Drivers are advised to use the detour via I-670 eastbound to I-71 southbound.
• High Street Bridge: High Street over I-70 remains reduced to one lane in each direction for bridge reconstruction. Access to East Livingston Avenue from southbound High Street is restricted, requiring a detour via Whittier Street and 3rd Street.
• Permanent Ramp Closures: As a reminder, the 3rd Street ramp to I-70 Westbound and the I-70 Eastbound ramp to Livingston Avenue are now permanently closed. Commuters should use the new Fulton Street ramp to access the downtown area.
• Trabue Road: Work continues on Trabue Road, which has been reduced from four lanes to two between the Scioto River and Scioto Pointe Drive. Expect delays in western Franklin County throughout the day.
• 17th Avenue: Near the Ohio Expo Center, 17th Avenue remains closed between Clara Avenue and Dora Avenue for long-term construction related to the Expo 2050 project.

Public Transit and COTA Alerts

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has issued several service alerts for Wednesday that may affect local bus riders:

• Easton Transit Center: Due to pantograph construction, a portion of Transit Drive is closed. This impacts Lines 7, 9, 23, 24, 25, 31, 32, 34, 35, 44, and 45. Riders should follow posted signage at the terminal for alternate boarding locations.
• Riverside Hospital Area: Line 1 (Short Turn) continues to be rerouted due to construction at Riverside Hospital. Stop SID 6364 will remain closed through early March.
• Line 35: The stop at Morse Road and Westerville Road (Stop 7770) is currently closed; passengers are encouraged to use nearby stops at Dunbridge Street.

Commuters are encouraged to allow an extra 10-15 minutes of travel time this morning to account for weather-related slowing and active work zones.