The first phase of Columbus' planned improvements to East Broad Street east of Interstate 270 on Columbus' Far East Side is on schedule to be finished in October 2027, weather permitting, a city Department of Public Service spokesperson told The Dispatch.
The East Broad Street Phase 1 Safety Improvements project is an effort by the city to improve the busy four-lane roadway on the Far East Side from Interstate 270 to Outerbelt Street.
Construction barrels on the eastbound side start just past the entrance to Mount Carmel East Hospital and currently extend beyond Outerbelt Street to past the closed main entrance to the Raising Cane's on the south side. On the westbound side, the barrels have at times started before Brice Road and end before Mount Carmel East Hospital.
The completed project will feature new through and turn lanes, a new sidewalk, a new shared use path along the north side of the roadway, upgraded traffic signals with backplates and pedestrian pedestals to activate the “walk” symbol for the crosswalks, a signal interconnect conduit, street lighting, street trees and stormwater drainage improvements, according to the city.
So far, city contractors have spent $10.6 million of a $23.6 million contract on the first phase of improvements, Department of Public Service spokesperson Audrianna Wilde said.
City contractors have been milling and paving a portion of the roadway between the eastbound and newly resurfaced westbound lanes, work that has forced lane shifts for eastbound motorists and is expected to finish before this winter, Wilde said. Once the pavement on the south side of the roadway is wide enough to accommodate eastbound traffic, drivers will be shifted off of the existing eastbound lanes onto the new pavement.
Crews will also adjust signage and traffic signal heads at Taylor Station Road and Blossom Field Boulevard, which is undergoing its own construction renovation one block in with new curbing and a planting midway. Temporary pavement markings will also be installed before the colder weather arrives.
Drivers should expect delays and continue to watch for construction crews while the project progresses, Wilde said.
The safety and security team for Mount Carmel East Hospital, which sits off of East Broad Street in the project area, has not reported any issues for ambulances or visitors due to the construction, Mount Carmel East spokesperson Molly Hammond said.
Crews are expected to start construction on the second phase of East Broad Street improvements from Outerbelt Street to Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road in spring 2027. Improving this stretch of roadway is expected to cost the city $29 million, according to the city's project website.
Transportation and neighborhoods reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@dispatch.com, @NathanRHart on X and nathanhart.dispatch.com on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Tired of the construction on East Broad Street near I-270? Here's when it will wrap up
