CINCINNATI, OH — The Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE), Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), are working together to manage the impact of the I-471 southbound lane closures caused by a recent fire.

Collective efforts like signal timing adjustments and intersection modifications have helped get traffic moving more efficiently. While these efforts are making a difference, navigating the increased traffic still requires drivers to plan ahead. DOTE is sharing alternate routes, helpful tools, and insights to help you navigate with less frustration. 

Find Another Route 

Depending on your destination, the following corridors offer alternatives for your commute. These routes utilize earlier exits along I-71, local streets, and east-west cross-city and county roadways. Please see the attached map. 

If your destination isn’t downtown, go across or around. For those heading to the city center or Northern Kentucky, take local roadways and an alternate bridge. 

• Go Across, Go Around – I-275, Ronald Reagan Highway, and the Norwood Lateral. 
• Exit I-71 Earlier – Martin Luther King Dr, Taft Rd, Reading Rd, Gilbert Ave/8th Street. 
• Local Streets – Madison Rd, Columbia Parkway, Riverside Dr, Reading Rd, Gilbert Ave, Victory Parkway, Wooster Pike, Beechmont Ave, River Rd, Vine St, and others. 
• Downtown Insights – Eggleston Ave, Broadway St south of 5th St, Central Ave south of 7th St, and 2nd St & Johnny Bench Way. 
• Bridges – Purple People (pedestrian, bikes, scooters only), Taylor Southgate, Roebling, and Clay Wade Bailey. 

These alternatives might save you time, especially during rush hours— Monday through Friday from 7:30–9:30 AM and 3–6 PM. Outside of rush hours, there is less traffic and a lower likelihood of congestion. 

Stay Ahead of Traffic with OHGO 

To further support drivers during the I-471 closure, DOTE is working with ODOT to temporarily add the following city camera feeds to OHGO, offering a real-time view of traffic conditions. 

• Third St at Vine St 
• Third St at Sycamore St 
• Third St at Clay Wade Bailey Bridge 
• Second St at Elm St 
• Pete Rose Way at Broadway/Second St 
• Eggleston Ave at Pete Rose Way 

OHGO, hosted by ODOT, is a resource for navigating Ohio’s roads. Accessible online and in-app, OHGO allows you to view live traffic conditions, delays, and closures, toggle layers for travel conditions, weather hazards, and upcoming construction, as well as save your personal routes and receive instant alerts tailored to your commute.

Additional Considerations for Avoiding Congestion 

• If possible, adjust your schedule: Leave earlier or later to avoid peak congestion. 
• Consider remote work: If your job allows, working from home or shifting hours can make a difference. 
• Explore alternative transportation: Metro, Tank, Red Bike, e-scooters, or even carpooling can help reduce the hassle (for you and others). 
• Consider crossing the river by boat: The Anderson Ferry offers a unique, scenic way to cross over into Kentucky – especially if you’re headed West. 

While the I-471 closure is challenging, DOTE, ODOT, and KYTC are committed to keeping you moving. Bridge repairs remain on schedule, with new girders arriving throughout this week. Construction should be complete in March 2025. Plan ahead, explore your options, visit OHGO, and sign up for DOTE Traffic Alerts to stay informed. 

For the latest updates from the DOTE, follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram. 

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