If you frequently visit downtown for work or play, major changes are headed to Interstates 70 and 71 + they are sure to impact commutes. Construction on the Downtown Ramp Up, led by ODOT, is underway + here’s what you need to know.

Road work ahead 🚧

With I-70 and I-71 being one of the top crash locations in the city, ODOT looks to improve safety and reduce congestion. Over the next three and a half years, the department plans to:

Build one additional lane on both interstates
Build two continuous lanes through downtown for both interstates
Eliminate 70% of lane changes on both interstates
Remove free-flow ramps at downtown intersections for safer foot traffic
Replace bridges with wider, pedestrian-friendly structures

Areas to avoid 🛑

With a project this massive, many streets near the interstate will undergo construction. Here are a few to keep in mind before driving:

Fulton Street near the I-70E for ramp construction
Mound Street near the I-71S for ramp construction
Short Street and Front Street where the I-70 bridge will be replaced
Livingston Avenue between Front Street and High Street
I-70E exits for Front Street and Livingston Avenue will be closed
Front Street will be two-way traffic between Livingston Avenue and Mound Street

Rerouting to your destination 🚗

Looking to avoid the highways entirely? We recommend using Fourth Street and Summit Street to travel to and from downtown. And if you prefer to drive the highways, check out this alternative routes map from ODOT which shows how to get downtown from I-71, I-70, and SR 315.