Ramp Closures at I-70/71 Split and Cold Temperatures Impact Thursday Commute

Columbus Traffic and Transit Update: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Good morning, Columbus commuters. It is a cold and crisp start to your Thursday, with temperatures currently hovering around 26 degrees Fahrenheit. While there is only a 10% chance of light snow today, the wind chill makes it feel closer to 17 degrees. Local drivers are encouraged to allow for extra time to clear frost from windshields and to ensure vehicles are properly warmed before heading out onto the morning roads.

Major Highway Closures and Roadworks

The long-term "Downtown Ramp Up" project continues to be the primary factor in local traffic delays. Several critical ramps at the I-70/I-71 and SR 315 interchange remain closed for reconstruction, requiring motorists to follow posted detours through the downtown grid:

• I-70 Westbound to I-71 Southbound: This ramp is closed for ongoing construction. Motorists should utilize the outerbelt (I-270) to bypass the city center if heading south.
• SR 315 Southbound to I-70 Eastbound: This connection remains restricted, leading to increased congestion on adjacent surface streets during peak rush hours.
• 3rd Street to I-70 Westbound: The ramp from 3rd Street is currently closed, which may slow down those exiting the southern edge of the downtown business district.
• I-70 Eastbound to Livingston Avenue: This exit remains inaccessible as crews continue work on the bridge structures in the area.

Beyond the downtown core, pavement reconstruction on I-70 in Franklin County between the Madison County line and Hilliard Rome Road may cause narrow lanes and periodic slowing. Additionally, travelers on U.S. 42 in Union County should prepare for daytime lane restrictions and flaggers between SR 257 and U.S. 33 until 3:30 p.m. today.

COTA Public Transit Alerts

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has several updates in effect following the January 2026 service cycle. Riders should be mindful of the following adjustments:

• Line 102 (Polaris Pkwy/N High): An alignment change is now in effect, featuring four new stops in the Crosswoods area to improve access and efficiency.
• Line 71 (Hilliard): To assist with commuter volume, COTA has added one additional morning trip heading downtown and one additional evening trip departing from downtown.
• Upcoming Mobility Center: While the new Mobility Center at Rickenbacker (MCAR) is set to host Lines 22 and 24 starting Monday, January 26, current routes will maintain their standard rotations through the end of this week.
• Schedule Performance: Minor timing tweaks have been implemented across Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 25, 45, and CMAX to maintain on-time reliability during the winter season.

Safety and Winter Driving

With sub-freezing temperatures, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) reminds drivers that bridge decks and overpasses are susceptible to freezing before regular road surfaces. While major snow accumulation is not forecasted, light moisture can lead to slick spots. Maintain a safe following distance, particularly when traveling through work zones near the Far East Freeway project at I-270 and Brice Road.