ODOT to Open New I-71 Southbound Flyover Ramp

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT) Downtown Ramp Up project is set to reach a significant achievement this week with the opening of the new I-71 southbound flyover ramp on Saturday, December 20.

The newly constructed ramp stands 100 feet above the Scioto River and is nearly a mile in length, carrying I-71 southbound traffic over I-70 westbound. This new structure eliminates the existing left-side merge and the need for drivers to cross three lanes of traffic to remain on I-71 southbound. Instead, motorists will now stay to the right to access the ramp, improving safety and reducing congestion. By physically separating traffic and streamlining the flow, the ramp helps reduce dangerous last-minute lane changes and enhances overall travel efficiency through the corridor.

This milestone marks progress towards the project's overarching goal of eliminating nearly 70% of lane changes on I-70/71 through downtown Columbus and improving safety at three of the state's top 10 highest crash locations.

"As part of the Downtown Ramp Up project, the new flyover ramp untangles and modernizes an outdated interchange built in the 1960s and better accommodates current and future capacity," said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.

In addition to the flyover ramp, this $280 million phase of construction which began in 2022 also included:

• Reconstruction of the Front Street bridge
• Construction of the new eastbound ramp to Fulton Street
• Replacement of the bridge deck on the I-70 westbound bridge over SR 315
• Numerous improvements to surrounding city streets

"The improvements made during this phase of construction are expected to significantly reduce congestion and improve safety for the more than 150,000 vehicles that travel through downtown Columbus daily," said ODOT District 6 Deputy Director, Toni Turowski.

The new flyover ramp will open to one lane this winter, while crews continue to work along I-71 near Greenlawn Avenue. Ultimately, the ramp will carry two lanes of southbound I-71 traffic.

Throughout the winter season, ODOT crews will prioritize the bridge to ensure it is properly pre-treated and thoroughly salted during snow and ice events. We urge drivers to observe posted speed limits and exercise caution by adjusting their driving to winter conditions.

Due to the proximity of the flyover ramp, the 3rd Street ramp to I-70 westbound will close permanently on Saturday, December 20. Motorists can now take 3rd St. to Mound St. to access separate ramps to the new flyover or I-70 westbound.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the Downtown Ramp Up project will focus on reconstructing the High Street, 3rd Street, and 4th Street bridges over I-70. Similar to Front Street, these upgrades will include enhanced bike and pedestrian connectivity, making it safer and easier to navigate. Additionally, this phase will involve the full reconstruction of I-70 in both directions.

As the Downtown Ramp Up project moves forward, ODOT remains focused on delivering long-term improvements that enhance safety, reduce congestion, and support a more connected downtown Columbus.

For information on traffic impacts related to the ramp opening, click here.