Columbus, Ohio ?

[LTJG]

For those that have traveled through this area, we will be traveling through Columbus, Ohio and wondering if taking the bypass is recommended?
TIA

[NUCamper]

The cross over is open and traffic is moving both east and west bound on I70. ODOT and the contractors did a good job on this fix.
Now the bridge needs to be repaired. That will be approx 30 days and $1.2 million dollars.

[rbtglove]

We don't go around, adds about 20 minutes and the only real heavy traffic is Friday afternoon. Went through yesterday north bound about 4 PM with no problem. Went south on Monday. Do this both ways at least once a moth. There is some construction and 45 speed but not long. The big delay is north bound on 75 they are paving and down to one lane around mile marker 60, between Mt vernon and Berea I think. Huge delay, backed up for miles.

[Busskipper]

jeb5 wrote:
Go through town except in rush hours. Good roads

X2

JMHO,

[LTJG]

Thanks so much for the updated information and travel advice !! Very helpful indeed. 🙂

[NUCamper]

LTJG....... According to the paper this morning the west bound lanes of I70 are open to traffic.

The east bound lanes are closed. East bound I70 traffic is rerouted on to I270 around the southern portion of the city.

ODOT is in expedite mode and are constructing a cross over which will carry two lanes of traffic in both directions in the west bound lanes of I70. Hopefully this will be done by this weekend.

You didn't mention the time frame or what you are pulling for this trip. Be advised that when the cross over is completed, the road narrows to 11 feet and the speed limit will be reduced.

It's not clear in the report, but I think the exit from I270 north to I70 west on the west side of the city will be closed until the reconstruction is complete, therefore going around the city on the southern portion of I270 is NOT an option. The accident happened at this exit.

Taking north I270 around the city is open,longer, but has its challenges also. There is construction at the junction of I270 & Rte 23 on the north side, also at I270 & Rte 33 in Dublin. The road is open, but slows the flow of traffic. These routes have 3-6 lanes depending on the location.

[austinjenna]

Taking the 70 through Columbus it depends on the time of day. Early or late morning rush hour traffic can slow you down but as others have stated its a condensed area of congestion for only a few miles and then it opens back up. If your passing through on a weekend then no problems at all as I regularly do when coming back from camping.

Also I went past Indy last week to Turkey Run state park. On the way there I took the bypass which was fine and on the way home I decided to give the 70 a shot straight through...I should have taken the bypass instead. It was a saturday as well.

Hope it helps. if you need anything else just send me message and have fun!

[NUCamper]

LTJG....Be advised that the Columbus area had a bad accident and fire this morning at the junction of I70 & I270 on the west side of the city. A tanker truck crashed and 8K of fuel created a fire.

The fire destroyed/compromised the roadway in this area and some of the roads are closed. I don't think ODOT has figured out how they are going to address the structure or the detour routing. No matter which route you take (I270 or I70) the pinch point is in this area.

I'll continue to monitor the news and let you know what ODOT has decided. It should be on the news tonight or tomorrow.

Hope this helps.

[LTJG]

austinjenna wrote:
I live here so maybe I can help you if you say where you are wanting to go? 70 or 71? it makes a difference

We will be traveling I70 to and beyond Indianapolis, IN.
As for Indianapolis, is it recommended to travel through or take the bypass there ?

Thanks for all the helpful responses ! 🙂

[austinjenna]

I live here so maybe I can help you if you say where you are wanting to go? 70 or 71? it makes a difference

[jeb5]

Go through town except in rush hours. Good roads

[gbopp]

We usually travel I-70 east and west a couple times a year.
I've tried I-270 a few times.
I think I-70 is the quickest and easiest route. That's the way we always go now.
Just don't hit it at rush hour and you'll be fine

[Sooner_Schooner]

we drove right up I-71 through the city with no issues at all. Spent the night about 30 miles north of there at Cardinal Center RV Park.

[2oldman]

My usual answer: Check traffic conditions before you go.

[Rangerman40]

Traffic gets backed up either way.... The actual "downtown" portion of 70 is only tight for a couple miles and then it's smooth sailing again. Which way are coming from? What roads?