The Ohio Department of Transportation is poised to open a new I-71 southbound flyover ramp tomorrow, aiming to significantly reduce roadway congestion and improve traffic safety. The ramp soars 100 feet above the Scioto River and spans nearly one mile, allowing for a more efficient southbound flow on I-71 over the I-70 westbound lanes, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation's announcement. This structure promises to simplify the current merge situation by enabling drivers to stay right instead of navigating through multiple lanes to remain on the interstate.
In an effort to greatly lessen the chance of accidents, this new ramp will directly shift traffic, keeping vehicles to the right and separating them from I-70 westbound, previously a left-side merge. The new configuration is a part of the larger Downtown Ramp Up project, which aims to eliminate the need for 70% of lane changes on the busy I-70/71 corridor downtown.
Additionally, the current phase of the project, which carries a $280 million price tag, includes a host of improvements such as the reconstruction of the Front Street bridge, the construction of a new eastbound ramp to Fulton Street, and the replacement of the bridge deck on the I-70 westbound bridge over SR 315.
While the new ramp will initially open with just one lane this winter, it is designed to eventually carry two lanes of traffic. In the meantime, ODOT crews will keep prioritizing the structure for pre-treatment and thorough salting during inclement winter weather. The opening of the flyover will coincide with the permanent closure of the 3rd Street ramp to I-70 westbound, with motorists advised to use the 3rd Street to Mound St. connection to reach the new flyover or I-70 westbound.
Looking ahead, ODOT plans to continue the Downtown Ramp Up project with the reconstruction of the High Street, 3rd Street, and 4th Street bridges over I-70, as well as a full reconstruction of I-70 in both directions. These future phases will focus not only on vehicular traffic but also on improving bike and pedestrian pathways, ensuring a more connected and accessible downtown Columbus for all modes of transportation.
