The Ohio Department of Transportation has begun construction work on the Interstate 270 and Easton Way interchange to improve safety and ease congestion at the frequently busy crossroads.
ODOT is making
several changes to the interchange, the most significant being a new signalized intersection where the I-270 local southbound ramp exit and Easton Way meet. Currently, traffic headed westbound on Easton Way and cars exiting onto Easton Way from I-270 local southbound must merge without the aid of a traffic light at the merge point.
ODOT also plans to widen the I-270 local southbound exit ramp to create a two-lane exit and three lanes at the intersection with Easton Way, widen Easton Way west of the bridge over I-270 to add a third westbound through lane approaching the intersection with the I-270 southbound exit ramp, and extend the length of the I-270 local southbound exit ramp to reduce vehicle backup onto the highway.
Construction on the project started in June, and traffic is being maintained with overnight lane restrictions and ramp closures, ODOT spokesperson Hannah Salem said.
Orange barrels set up along the exit lane already have snarled traffic, causing backups across southbound 270 lanes during the morning commute.
The exits near Easton are among the busiest in the region as drivers exit for work, shopping and restaurants at the sprawling shopping center and business parks. An average of around 13,200 vehicles take the I-270 southbound exit ramp at Easton every day and around an average of 23,100 vehicles drive on Easton Way past Stelzer Road every day, according to ODOT traffic data.
Construction on the Easton Way and I-270 interchange will continue until summer 2027, according to ODOT. The project will cost the state around $5.19 million.
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: ODOT to add stoplight, lanes at southbound I-270 exit to Easton Way
