Nighttime Restrictions at North Side Interchange and Major Downtown Transit Reroutes

Major Nighttime Restrictions at North Side Interchange

Commuters on the North Side should prepare for significant overnight delays at the intersection of two of the city's busiest highways. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced that the I-71 southbound ramp to I-270 westbound will be subject to various lane restrictions starting at 7:00 p.m. this evening, Thursday, February 26. These restrictions are part of a larger $36 million rehabilitation project aimed at improving capacity and safety at the I-270/I-71 interchange. Crews are expected to maintain work until 5:00 a.m. Friday morning. Motorists traveling through this area during the late-night hours are encouraged to reduce their speed and watch for stopped traffic, as this stretch has been identified as a high-crash zone during peak congestion periods.

Ongoing Downtown Traffic Shifts

The massive I-70/I-71 Downtown Ramp-Up project continues to reshape the morning commute for those entering the city center. Currently, all I-70 westbound traffic has been shifted to the eastbound side of the roadway. While two lanes are being maintained in each direction, the lack of traditional shoulder space and the presence of concrete barriers mean that any minor incident can lead to substantial backups. This configuration is expected to remain in place through the fall of 2026. Additionally, several key ramps remain closed for reconstruction, including the I-70 westbound ramp to I-71 southbound and the 3rd Street ramp to I-70 westbound. Drivers should utilize the Mound Street or Fulton Street urban avenues as alternatives when navigating the southern edge of downtown.

COTA Service Alerts: Spring Street Terminal Closure

Public transit riders face significant changes this week following the closure of the Spring Street Terminal for pantograph construction. This closure, which began on February 23 and is slated to continue through May 1, 2026, impacts several high-volume lines. Commuters who typically board at this location should look for alternate stops for the following routes:

• Lines 4, 6, 7, and 10
• Lines 51, 52, and 61

In addition to the downtown terminal work, Line 1 (Short Turn) remains rerouted near Riverside Hospital due to ongoing construction on the medical campus. This reroute is scheduled to stay in effect until March 2. Riders on the northwest side should also be aware of long-term stop closures on Tremont Road affecting Line 75 and on Morse Road at Westerville Road for Line 35. Transit users are encouraged to allow for an extra 10 to 15 minutes of travel time to account for these temporary adjustments.

Travel Advice for Thursday Commuters

With ongoing construction activity high across the metro area, local officials recommend that all commuters check real-time speed maps and traffic camera feeds before heading out for the evening rush. Public transit users are advised to confirm their bus headers and use the official transit tracking apps to monitor vehicle locations in real-time, as construction-related reroutes can lead to minor timing adjustments throughout the day. For those driving, staying in the through-lanes on I-70 and I-71 will help minimize the need for lane changes, which is a primary cause of congestion in the downtown corridor.