Overnight Closures on I-71 Northbound and Downtown Ramp Restrictions for Tuesday, February 24

Commute Overview for February 24, 2026

As we move through the final week of February, Columbus commuters should prepare for a mix of temporary overnight closures and ongoing major reconstruction projects that will impact travel times, particularly in the downtown core. While morning rush hour is expected to follow typical patterns, significant shifts in traffic flow on I-70 and COTA service changes will require extra planning for evening and late-night travelers.

Major Highway Impacts: I-71 and I-70

The most significant update for today involves the I-71 northbound ramp to I-70 westbound. Starting tonight at 9:00 p.m., the ramp will close for overnight construction and is not expected to reopen until 5:00 a.m. Wednesday. A detour is in place directing motorists to take I-71 northbound to I-70 eastbound, eventually looping back via I-670 westbound and SR 315 southbound to reach I-70 westbound.

• I-70 Pavement Reconstruction: Westbound traffic on I-70 continues to be shifted to the eastbound side of the roadway. Only two lanes are maintained in each direction.
• Fulton Street: Daily lane restrictions between Front Street and High Street remain in effect today between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for the final day of this specific phase.
• High Street Bridge: The bridge over I-70 remains reduced to one lane in each direction for reconstruction. Access to East Livingston Avenue from High Street southbound is currently restricted.

COTA Service and Terminal Closures

Public transit riders should be aware that the Spring Street Terminal is officially closed as of yesterday, February 23, for pantograph construction. This impact is expected to last several weeks. Additionally, Line 1 Northbound continues its reroute due to construction at Riverside Hospital, a pattern that will persist through early March.

• Rerouted Lines: Lines 4, 6, 7, 10, 51, 52, and 61 are currently utilizing alternate stops.
• Easton Transit Center: Bay 3 remains closed, affecting Line 24 boarding locations.

Regional Safety and Special Loads

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) also reminds drivers to be alert for "super loads" traveling through Franklin County toward the Intel plant in Licking County. These massive shipments often require slow speeds and multiple lane closures. On the Far East Freeway, Brice Road over I-70 remains reduced to one lane in each direction, which may cause localized stacking during the evening commute.