COLUMBUS – Columbus drivers know things have been a little dicey on I-70 through downtown but a new change may require some to take a new route altogether.
Starting Monday, November 25, the ramp from Third Street to eastbound I-70 will close permanently.
According to a press release from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the reason for the closure is that by the end of the project, I-70 east will be on top of the interchange downtown, rather than on the bottom, as it is now.
The Third Street exit has to close in order to rebuild the roadway and to make room for a new exit ramp from I-70 east to Parsons Avenue.
ODOT reports that that new ramp will replace the 18th Street exit ramp, which will also permanently close in December.
By 2021 there will be a new ramp connecting downtown to the east side from Fulton Street to I-70 east.
In the meantime, drivers will need to use a detour.
From German Village:
- Livingston Avenue to Kelton Avenue to I-70 east
Livingston Avenue to Alum Creek Drive to I-70 east
From the Brewery District:
- High Street to Greenlawn Avenue to I-71 north to I-70 east
From Olde Towne East:
- Main Street to Miller Avenue to I-70 east
- Main Street to Alum Creek Drive to I-70 east
From the Arena District:
- Spring Street to US-33 to SR-315 south to I-70 east
- Spring Street to Neil Avenue to I-670 east to I-71 south to I-70 east
Learn more about the construction at I-70 and I-71 downtown by clicking here.
