If you’re sitting in a sea of brake lights right now, you aren't alone. It’s frustrating. You’ve got places to be, and instead, you’re staring at the bumper of a semi-truck somewhere between Cleveland and Cincinnati. Honestly, I-71 is one of those veins in Ohio that either works perfectly or becomes a total parking lot with zero in-between.
So, why is traffic stopped on I-71 South today Ohio? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag depending on exactly where you’re stuck. We’ve got a combination of a messy winter weather system moving through the state, some aggressive long-term construction projects reaching critical phases, and the usual string of accidents that happen when those first two things collide.
The current mess: Weather and accidents
First off, let’s talk about the sky. Today, Monday, January 12, 2026, parts of Ohio are dealing with a "winter cocktail." It’s not quite a blizzard, but it’s that annoying mix of slush and ice that makes the pavement on I-71 South particularly slick.
Earlier this morning, the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a multi-vehicle pileup near the Delaware County line. It’s a common spot for trouble. When the wind picks up across those open fields, it can create whiteout conditions or blow snow across the lanes, catching drivers off guard.
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- Delaware County/Sunbury Area: Expect heavy delays. A semi-truck jackknifed near the US-36/SR-37 interchange, which effectively choked the southbound lanes down to a single shoulder pass.
- Mansfield/Richland County: There’s a smaller wreck cleared to the side, but the "rubbernecking" is real. People are slowing down to look, and that ripple effect is stretching back for miles.
- The Medina "Clog": Up north, the merge from I-76/I-71 is currently a bottleneck. It’s basically a geometry problem—too many cars, too few lanes, and slick ramps.
The Downtown Columbus "Ramp Up" saga
If you’re closer to the capital, you're likely feeling the heat from the ODOT Downtown Ramp Up project. This thing has been going on forever, but we just hit a major milestone.
Just a few weeks ago, ODOT opened the new I-71 southbound flyover ramp. It’s massive—literally 100 feet in the air. The goal was to stop people from having to cross three lanes of traffic just to stay on I-71 South through the "split." While it’s open, there is still heavy lane restriction near Greenlawn Avenue.
Basically, the crews are still out there finishing the "final touches" which, in road-construction speak, means orange barrels and narrowed lanes. If you are heading South through downtown Columbus today, the "stop-and-go" is likely just the infrastructure equivalent of a growing pain.
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Why the delays feel worse today
- Snow Pre-treatment: ODOT trucks have been out in force. While they do a great job of salting, their presence alone slows down the flow. They move slow to spread the brine, and you shouldn't pass them if you can help it.
- Monday Morning Lag: It's the first real commute of the week. People are still adjusting to the road conditions, leading to more "fender benders" than usual.
- Bridge Work in Cuyahoga: Further North, the ongoing bridge replacement at Mill Road is still a factor. That project isn't slated to wrap until later this year, and it continues to pinch the Southbound flow as people enter the Cleveland metro area.
How to actually get around the I-71 South traffic
Look, sometimes the best way to handle I-71 is to not be on I-71.
If you are stuck near Columbus, consider jumping onto I-270—the outerbelt. Yes, it’s longer in miles, but if the "split" is at a standstill, the extra mileage will save you thirty minutes of idling.
For those stuck between Mansfield and Columbus, US-42 is the classic "old school" detour. It’s a slower speed limit, sure. But at least you're moving. There is nothing worse than the psychological toll of being parked on an interstate.
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Check the OHGO app before you leave. It’s the official ODOT tool, and it’s usually way more accurate than some of the generic GPS apps because it’s tied directly to the sensors in the pavement and the highway cameras.
What to do if you're trapped right now
If you are already in the thick of it, just breathe. Check your fuel gauge. Ohio winters are no joke, and idling in the cold eats through gas faster than you’d think.
Keep a decent following distance. I know, everyone wants to close the gap so no one cuts in, but on a day like today with the slush, that’s how you end up being the reason the highway stays closed for another three hours.
Next steps for your drive: Tune your radio to a local news station or 1610 AM if you're near a major city for highway patrol updates. If the backup is longer than 5 miles, look for the next available exit and use a secondary state route like SR-3 or US-42 to bypass the immediate wreckage. Stay safe out there and watch for the plow trucks.