Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Downtown Ramp Up project is reaching a major turning point with the opening of a newly built flyover ramp connecting I-71 southbound through downtown Columbus. The ramp is scheduled to open on Saturday, December 20, marking one of the most important changes yet in a long-term effort to improve traffic flow and safety in one of Ohio’s busiest highway corridors.
The new ramp rises 100 feet above the Scioto River and stretches nearly one mile in length, carrying I-71 southbound traffic over I-70 westbound. This redesign removes a long-standing problem that forced drivers to merge from the left and cross three lanes of traffic to stay on I-71 southbound. Under the new setup, motorists will remain on the right to access the flyover, creating a smoother and safer driving experience.
By physically separating traffic streams, the ramp helps prevent sudden lane changes that have contributed to crashes for decades. The change is expected to lower congestion while also improving travel reliability for commuters, freight drivers, and visitors moving through downtown Columbus.
Improving Safety at One of Ohio’s Busiest Interchanges
This new ramp represents meaningful progress toward the Downtown Ramp Up project’s broader goal of eliminating nearly 70% of lane changes on I-70 and I-71 through downtown. The project also targets safety improvements at three of Ohio’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“As part of the Downtown Ramp Up project, the new flyover ramp untangles and modernizes an outdated interchange built in the 1960s and better accommodates current and future capacity,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.
The flyover is part of a $280 million construction phase that began in 2022. Alongside the ramp, this phase included several other major upgrades designed to modernize aging infrastructure and improve how the highway connects with city streets.
Completed improvements include the reconstruction of the Front Street bridge, the construction of a new eastbound ramp to Fulton Street, the replacement of the bridge deck on the I-70 westbound bridge over State Route 315, and multiple enhancements to nearby 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.
Winter Opening and Traffic Changes Ahead
When the ramp opens, it will initially operate with one lane of traffic while work continues along I-71 near Greenlawn Avenue. Once all construction is complete, the flyover will carry two lanes of southbound I-71 traffic, further easing congestion through the corridor.
Because of its close proximity to the new flyover, the 3rd Street ramp to I-70 westbound will permanently close on December 20. Drivers who previously used that ramp will now take 3rd Street to Mound Street, where separate ramps provide access to both the new flyover and I-70 westbound.
ODOT crews will closely monitor the new structure during winter weather. The agency has committed to prioritizing the bridge for pre-treatment and salting during snow and ice events. Drivers are urged to slow down, follow posted speed limits, and adjust driving behavior to winter road conditions.
What Comes Next for the Downtown Ramp Up Project
The next phase of the Downtown Ramp Up project will focus on rebuilding the High Street, 3rd Street, and 4th Street bridges over I-70. Like the Front Street bridge, these upgrades will include improved bike and pedestrian connections, making downtown safer and more accessible for all users.
This future phase will also involve a full reconstruction of I-70 in both directions, continuing the long-term effort to modernize highways that serve as the backbone of central Ohio’s transportation network.
As work continues, ODOT says it remains committed to long-lasting improvements that reduce congestion, increase safety, and create a more connected downtown Columbus. Drivers are encouraged to stay informed about traffic impacts related to the ramp opening and upcoming construction as the project moves forward.
