Ohio DOT Opened Second Lane on I-71 Flyover Ramp
The expansion on the downtown Columbus ramp aims to improve traffic flow for drivers merging from I-70.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Ohio Department of Transportation has opened a second lane on the Interstate 71 southbound flyover ramp in Columbus. This change ends a single-lane restriction that had been in place since December.
Why it matters
The ramp serves as a critical connection for traffic merging from Interstate 70 west and Mound Street. Adding the second lane removes a bottleneck, allowing these motorists to transition more efficiently toward their destinations.
This project phase, which carries a total cost of $280 million, is part of a larger infrastructure improvement effort. Crews have been working on the ramp and adjacent projects since the initiative began in 2022.
The players
Ohio Department of Transportation
This state-level agency is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Ohio's roadway infrastructure.
The details
Drivers coming from Interstate 70 west or Mound Street no longer need to funnel into a single lane to access the flyover. The ramp is a major component of Phase 4R/6R of the Downtown Ramp Up project.
Timeline
Construction on the project phase started in 2022.
The flyover ramp originally opened in December.
The second lane opened on October 14, 2026.
The project phase is expected to finish by the end of fall 2026.
Market Landscape
This opening represents the latest milestone in the multi-year Downtown Ramp Up project, which continues to reconfigure central Columbus highway connections. These structural updates reflect a broader push to modernize urban highway systems and reduce congestion in city cores.
Drivers using the I-71 southbound flyover will now encounter a second lane, which should reduce merge-related delays for those commuting from I-70 west and Mound Street. This change simplifies a path previously restricted to a single lane, easing the daily commute through downtown Columbus.
The takeaway
Commuters should anticipate smoother traffic flow as the removal of the single-lane restriction eliminates a significant point of congestion. Residents should remain aware that construction crews will continue working on other portions of the project through the end of the fall season.
What happens next
The project phase is expected to reach completion by the end of fall 2026.
Further reading
For updates on regional infrastructure progress, visit the Columbus Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Columbus Dispatch.
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