Interstate 70 in downtown Columbus will experience a full closure this weekend. This shutdown is necessary for the ongoing demolition of the High Street bridge. Travelers should prepare for significant delays and plan alternate routes.
Key Takeaways
- I-70 between State Route 315 and I-71 will close in downtown Columbus.
- Closure runs from 10 p.m. Friday, October 24, to 5 a.m. Monday, October 27.
- Demolition of the High Street bridge is the reason for the shutdown.
- Several ramps to I-70 and I-71 will also close.
- This is part of the larger $1.4 billion Downtown Ramp Up project.
Major Interstate Closure Announced
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced a complete shutdown of a key section of Interstate 70. The closure affects the stretch between State Route 315 and Interstate 71 in downtown Columbus. This is a critical artery for daily commuters and regional travelers alike.
The work period is set for this weekend, specifically from 10 p.m. on Friday, October 24, until 5 a.m. on Monday, October 27. This timeline aims to minimize disruption during peak weekday travel hours.
Closure Details
- Start: Friday, October 24, 10 p.m.
- End: Monday, October 27, 5 a.m.
- Location: I-70 between SR 315 and I-71, downtown Columbus.
High Street Bridge Demolition Underway
The primary reason for this weekend's closure is the demolition of the High Street bridge. This structure spans over I-70, and its replacement is a multi-year effort. Crews are working to replace sections of the bridge in phases. This approach allows some traffic to continue using High Street, albeit with reduced lanes.
Currently, High Street traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction over I-70. This setup has been in place to facilitate the initial stages of the bridge replacement project. The full interstate closure is needed for the more intensive demolition work that cannot be completed safely with traffic flowing below.
Extensive Ramp Closures Also Planned
In addition to the main interstate closure, several associated ramps will also be shut down. These closures are designed to manage traffic flow and ensure worker safety during the demolition activities. Drivers should be aware of these additional impacts.
The affected ramps include those at Mound Street, Third Street, Greenlawn Avenue, and other interstate ramps leading to I-70 and I-71. These closures will align with the main I-70 shutdown schedule, starting Friday evening and reopening Monday morning.
"Drivers must plan ahead and use the recommended detours to avoid significant delays," an ODOT representative stated. "This work is critical for the long-term improvement of our downtown infrastructure."
Recommended Detour Routes
ODOT has provided specific detour routes for both eastbound and westbound travelers. Adhering to these routes will help manage congestion and guide drivers around the construction zone efficiently. Electronic signage will also be in place to assist motorists.
- Westbound I-70 Detour: Take I-70 West to I-71 North, then to I-670 West, and finally back to I-70 West.
- Eastbound I-70 Detour: Take I-70 East to I-670 East, then to I-71 South, and finally back to I-70 East.
Downtown Ramp Up Project
This weekend's work is part of the ambitious Downtown Ramp Up project. This is a decade-spanning, $1.4 billion initiative by ODOT. The project aims to completely redesign and upgrade Interstates 70 and 71 around the downtown Columbus area. Construction began in 2010 and is expected to continue until at least 2030.
The project focuses on improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and modernizing aging infrastructure. Once the High Street bridge is complete, the Third Street and Fourth Street bridges are slated for replacement next, continuing the extensive overhaul.
Detailed List of Ramp Closures
To help commuters navigate the changes, here is a comprehensive list of all downtown interstate and ramp closures for the weekend:
Friday, October 24, 8 p.m. to Monday, October 27, 5 a.m.:
- Third Street ramp to I-70 West: Detour via Third Street to Fulton Street, to Fourth Street, to Main Street, to Rich Street, to State Route 315 South, then to I-70 West.
- Mound Street ramp to I-70 West: Detour via Mound Street to Second Street, to Rich Street, to Route 315 South, then to I-70 West.
Friday, October 24, 9 p.m. to Monday, October 27, 5 a.m.:
- Greenlawn Avenue ramp to I-71 North: Detour via Greenlawn Avenue to I-71 South, to Frank Road, then to I-71 North.
Friday, October 24, 10 p.m. to Monday, October 27, 5 a.m.:
- I-71 North ramp to I-70 East/I-71 North: Detour via I-71 North to Route 315, to Interstate 670 East, then to I-71.
- I-70 between Route 315 and I-71: Detour via I-70 to Interstate 670, to I-71, then to I-70 (and reverse for opposite direction).
- I-670 West ramp to I-71 South: Detour via I-670 West to Route 315 South, then to I-71 South.
- I-71 South ramp to I-70 West: Detour via I-71 South to I-670 West, then to I-70 West.
Drivers should expect increased traffic on detour routes and surrounding local roads. Allowing extra travel time is crucial for anyone planning to be in or near downtown Columbus this weekend.
