The Columbus Crossroads project (popularly known as the 70/71 Split Fix) will officially be kicking off next month after years of planning, discussion and community input. Phase One will reconstruct the I-71/670 interchange at the north-eastern end of the project, which is expected to be completed in 2014 at a cost of $200 million.
Phase One will improve safety on the interchange, reduce congestion and attempt to reconnect neighborhoods that were destroyed and divided when the highways were originally constructed.
The Spring Street and Long Street bridges that connect Downtown Columbus to the King Lincoln District will be rebuilt as “urban avenues” and will feature new gateway amenities to connect these neighborhoods, which includes landscaping, green space, decorative lighting, improved sidewalks and a “cultural wall” on Long Street.
During the 2+ year construction period, traffic along these stretches of highway will be slowed to 45 miles per hour, lanes will be reduced and several ramps will be closed. Over 137,000 daily cars travel through this corridor, which is double the current road capacity.
ODOT is hosting a community meeting tonight from 6pm to 8pm at the King Arts Complex. More information on that meeting can be found HERE.
To catch up on the history of this project, you can browse through the archived stories about the 70/71 Split.
More information on the project can be found online at www.odot71670.org.
