Crash-Prone Stretch of I-270 Identified in Columbus

Data shows high number of crashes on north Columbus border with Worthington

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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According to data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the most crash-prone stretch of I-270 is located in north Columbus on the border of Worthington. There have been 311 crashes in this area since 2021, with the highest volume occurring during the evening rush hour between 5:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.

Why it matters

This data confirms the anecdotal experiences of drivers in the area and highlights the need for infrastructure improvements to address safety and congestion concerns along this stretch of I-270. The Ohio Department of Transportation is currently working on a $36 million project to improve capacity and rehabilitate the I-270/I-71 interchange in this area.

The details

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is currently in the process of completing a $36 million project to improve capacity and rehabilitate the I-270/I-71 interchange on the north side of Columbus. The project involves replacing two bridges on the I-270 westbound ramp to I-71 southbound as well as one bridge on the I-71 northbound ramp to I-270 westbound. These bridges will be built on wider footings to allow for another lane on I-71 northbound from I-270 to Park Road. Following the replacement of the bridges, the I-270 eastbound ramp to I-71 northbound will be widened to two lanes using the existing structure.

  • Since 2021, there have been 311 crashes in the identified crash-prone stretch of I-270.
  • The highest volume of crashes occur between the hours of 5:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. in the evening.
  • Construction on the ODOT project is estimated to be complete by fall of 2027.

The players

Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP)

The state law enforcement agency responsible for collecting and analyzing data on crashes occurring on Ohio's highways.

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Ohio's transportation infrastructure, including the I-270/I-71 interchange project.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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