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
A birds eye view of Front Street once completed | Rendering via ODOT
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
A before and after look at Mound Street | Rendering via ODOT
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.