Change is hard. We all know it. So, there’s nothing wrong with hearing that a new I-71 south ramp is opening this weekend and feeling a twinge of anxiety or confusion. After all, Columbus is packed with interstates, all with similar sounding names and the number seven.
For those of you who missed it, a new flyover ramp connecting Mound Street and I-70 westbound to I-71 south is set to open on Dec. 20 after years of construction. At the same time, the existing left lane exit to I-71 south will close, along with the ramp to I-70 west from Third Street.
If you’re struggling to picture what exactly this means, Getting There has got you. Here’s a guide to navigating these new changes.
How to get around with new I-71 south flyover ramp
Above is a bird’s-eye rendering of some of the changes coming to downtown Columbus. You can see that drivers can get on the new ramp either by taking a left on Mound Street or by keeping right on I-70 westbound.
But you’re not a bird, are you? You’re a human being, and you see things firmly from the ground. Here’s a look at the new Mound Street to I-71 south ramp, helpfully annotated by yours truly.
As you can see, the ramp to I-71 south is left at the intersection of Mound and Second Street, while the ramp to I-70 west is straight through the light.
But that’s not the only way you can get on the new ramp. I-70 westbound drivers can keep right to take the new flyover. Unfortunately, I do not have a photo of the new exit because there is no pedestrian access to it, so you’ll have to use your imagination. Just remember, keep right to use the new ramp.
As one ramp opens, another closes. The Third Street to I-70 westbound ramp will close permanently on Dec. 20, meaning drivers will have to use the Mound Street ramp to get on I-70 west. Here’s a look at the Third Street ramp, which will be forbidden come this weekend.
The existing left lane I-71 south exit on I-70 west will also close with the opening of the new ramp. I don’t have a photo of this, so I would like to remind you to keep right to use the new ramp if you’re on I-70 west.
Now that I have equipped you with the knowledge you need, go forth and drive. Here’s are some construction projects you should look out for while you’re doing so.
Market Street in New Albany to open
New Albany’s Market Street will re-open after an extension project at 9 a.m. on Dec. 19. Drivers will once again have access to U.S. Route 62 between Second Street and Third Street, according to a press release from the city.
Downtown Columbus construction projects for the week of Dec. 19, 2025
Transportation and neighborhoods reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@dispatch.com, at @NathanRHart on X and at nathanhart.dispatch.com on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How to get around with the new I-71 south flyover ramp Downtown
Reporting by Nathan Hart, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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