Traffic Impacts

Start of Phase 1 construction for this project has been postponed until spring 2027 due to a continued delay in coordination by railroad officials for flagging operations required before the bridge work can begin.

It is also the city’s desire to avoid the project being partially under construction over the winter with potential traffic impacts during major events in this area, including The Arnold Classic March 4-7, 2027, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the NCAA Women’s Final Four April 2-4, 2027, at Nationwide Arena.

The planned start of construction next spring after these events will allow both phases of the project to be completed in 2027, pending CSX and Norfolk Southern coordinating flagging operations.

During Phase 1, anticipated to start approximately April 5 after the Women’s Final Four, Front St. traffic will be maintained one lane in each direction from Nationwide Blvd. to Hickory St., with access open to the Nationwide Parking Garage, 285 N. Front St.

Phase 2 is planned to begin construction after Red, White, and Boom and be completed by the end of 2027. During Phase 2, Front St. will be closed from Nationwide Blvd. to Hickory St. with no access to the parking garage north entrance. Access will be maintained to the garage’s south entrance. A travel lane across the bridge will be made available for special event traffic.

Impacts to area businesses, employers, residents and event venues will be minimized as much as possible as we work to keep construction on schedule once it starts.