I-70 and I-71 overhaul reshapes downtown
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The reconstruction of the Front Street bridge over I-70, which is nearing completion. Photos: Courtesy of the Ohio Department of Transportation
Progress continues on downtown's constant highway construction, but we're sorry to report those orange barrels aren't disappearing anytime soon.
Why it matters: The Downtown Ramp Up is a $1.4 billion mega-project to improve one of Columbus' most congested and crash-prone highway stretches.
- It'll also make surrounding streets and crossings safer for walkers and bicyclists by better connecting downtown to the Brewery District and German Village.
The latest: One bridge is expected to open next month, carrying Front Street over I-70, Ohio Department of Transportation spokesperson Matthew McGuire told Axios last week.
- A new southbound I-71 flyover is expected to open to traffic later this year.
Catch up quick: The widening and reconstruction of I-70 and I-71 started way back in 2010. It has been split into several phases as funding becomes available and to minimize traffic impacts.
- Construction is expected to continue into the 2030s, and should simplify exits by requiring fewer lane changes.
- The current focus is on the south I-70 innerbelt, involving new inbound and outbound ramps and reconstruction of several bridges to be more pedestrian-friendly.
The intrigue: When the Third Street bridge is finished, likely several years from now, it will be structurally capable of holding a "cap" of businesses — similar to the one in the Short North completed in 2004.
- The Columbus Department of Development will seek a development partner in the coming years, spokesperson Christine Reedy tells Axios.
By the numbers: Crash data McGuire provided to Axios suggests improvements are already working in one completed area, a new ramp connecting I-70 East to I-71 North.
- From 2017-19, there were 158 reported crashes between Front Street and the old ramp.
- From 2022-24, after it opened, there were 59.
What's next: After Front Street reopens, work will then shift to demolishing and rebuilding the High Street crossing, McGuire says.
The bottom line: Buckle up for continued disruptions. Follow the progress on ODOT's website, which also recommends alternative routes to maneuver around road closures.
