Extra Caution Needed with I-71 South Traffic
Pattern Changes      

There have been several crashes since the traffic patterns on I-71 changed last week. In most cases, drivers were driving too fast for the road conditions, and their last minute actions to get into the correct lane led to collisions. ODOT encourages all motorists to be extra cautious when traveling in this area.

"Give yourself extra travel time, especially if the weather is bad. Safety is paramount. Please pay attention to the road - don't talk on the phone while driving. And, slow down. Some people may still be getting used to the changes, so we all need to be extra vigilant," said ODOT Deputy District Director Ferzan Ahmed.  

When traveling on I-71 south, starting around Hudson Avenue motorists should move to the left two lanes for I-71 south and stay in the right lane for I-670. ODOT has current traffic information on the project website, odot71670.org. There's also the latest information on our Twitter feed and the project's Facebook page. And don't forget that sharing a ride or taking the bus will help make the commute easier for everyone.

All local media outlets receive details about construction impacting traffic. So be sure to tune in, log on or read up before heading out the door.  

Project Preparations Continue     

Crews were at work this week near Columbus State Community College. They cleared the area in preparation for construction of the temporary Spring Street ramp from I-670 Westbound, which will open in about a month. Thanks, Columbus State, for being such a great partner in keeping your students and faculty informed of construction activities!

Dishin' the Deets - Construction Update for the Week of October 10  

Weather permitting, Columbus Crossroads crews will be performing the following work next week:  

Tuesday, October 11   

From about 9 pm Tuesday until 5 am Wednesday, the I- 670 eastbound ramp to Cleveland Avenue exit ramp will close for re-striping and barrier wall installation.

Wednesday, October 12   

From about 8 pm Wednesday until 5 am on Thursday, I-71 southbound will be reduced to one lane between the 17th Avenue and Long Street exits to install highly visible signs to further alert motorists to the changes. The ramp from 11th Avenue to I-71 south will also close from 8 pm Wednesday. It will reopen by 5 am Thursday.

Thursday, October 13 

• The Long Street on-ramp to I-71 northbound closes until November 2013.
• From about 8 pm Thursday to 5 am Friday, I-670 eastbound will be reduced to one lane between I-71 and Leonard Avenue for pavement striping.

Think Outside the Car    

Do your part to reduce congestion.

MORPC's RideSolutions  

COTA 

Consider Biking's 2 BY 2012 program 

Connect with Columbus Crossroads

Have a question or a suggestion? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Nancy Burton at

Nancy.Burton@dot.state.oh.us or 740-833-8063.