COLUMBUS – After nearly four years, the focus of the massive makeover of the I-70/I-71 corridor through downtown Columbus is shifting to the west, bringing partial relief to motorists who have endured the roadwork on the East Side interchange of the two interstates while transferring the work zone to the Franklinton-area interchange for the next three years.
UPDATE 3/18/22 6:38 a.m.: This story has been edited from an earlier version to show that the closing of the I-70 eastbound ramp to SR 315 has been delayed until Sunday, March 20.
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks on March 9 announced the start of construction on the next phase of the Downtown Ramp Up “mega-project” intended to address safety and congestion on I-70 and 71 through downtown by improving access to and from the I-70/I-71/SR 315 interchange.
The $280 million project represents the largest transportation investment on a single construction project in central Ohio ever and is scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2025.
“This section of highway is one of the busiest and most vital routes for freight operators and commuters in the region, and central Ohio has long outgrown it. This project modernizes an outdated interchange and tackles the biggest congestion and safety problems on the road to benefit Ohioans for generations to come,” DeWine said.
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks on March 9 announced the start of construction on the next phase of the Downtown Ramp Up “mega-project” intended to address safety and congestion on I-70 and 71 through downtown by improving access to and from the I-70/I-71/SR 315 interchange.
The $280 million project represents the largest transportation investment on a single construction project in central Ohio ever and is scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2025.
The next phase of the project will create new access ramps at Fulton and Mound streets while closing the ramp from eastbound I-70 to SR 315, starting March 20( (see map above). The redesigned entrance and exit ramps along the corridor will help motorists when changing lanes.
The state has already invested $700 million in the, with another $250 million of funding for future phases that will provide two continuous lanes of I-70 and I-71 in each direction.
Current phases of construction through downtown are expected to continue through 2026.