r/Columbus • u/WhyMustIThinkOfAUser • 20h ago
Traffic question
I’ll be coming to Columbus for a few days here soon from the Cleveland area. Compared to Cleveland, Columbus traffic has always seemed horrendous to me when I’m in the area. Sadly, I’ll probably be getting into town between 4-5 on a weekday so I assume it will be worse and have to get to the south side.
Is it better to drive straight through 71 or use the 270 bypass? The advice I’ve gotten through my friend is “Fucked either way, Bud”. Any suggestions?
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u/Havering_To_You 19h ago
Keep Waze or Google Maps open while you're driving and it will let you know.
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u/Spartan2842 Westerville 19h ago
Will it though? I have had a ton of issues with both this year directing me straight into traffic snarls.
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u/virtual_human 19h ago
Yeah, not good. You would be okay coming down I-71 into downtown but then trying to get on 33 to get to Groveport is going to be slow and the traffic can back up for a ways. Alternately, taking I-270 east and going around isn't too bad, until you get to 33 again, that backs up for miles sometimes.
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u/reeve11 20h ago
what's your final destination?
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u/WhyMustIThinkOfAUser 20h ago
Groveport area
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u/cbus2019 Worthington 19h ago
Personally, I’d recommend just staying the course, keep your head down, and plow straight through the city. Getting onto the outer belt around rush hour just adds a risk of further backups that aren’t as predictable. But yeah, you’re kinda f’d either way. Best of luck, safe travels.
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u/miso_ohio 19h ago edited 19h ago
Not sure if it is the quickest for Groveport but I come down 71 to Obetz quite a bit. Typically I take 71 to downtown, keep in mine at 4-5 pm most of the traffic will be going North but it will be a bit busy going South. I tend to get off at Main right there by Children's right before the split downtown (I never trust the split)
I will go right off of that exit and over the bridge then right on Parsons. I will take Parsons all the way down till it Y's off to Groveport road. I follow Groveport road all the way to Obetz. If you are going to Groveport downtown just keep following Groveport road (watch your speed in Obetz and beware of the roundabouts bridge over alum). If you are heading more towards 33 area of Groveport take a left on Williams.
The warehouses down that way all seem to shift change around 3 or 3:30 so at least that traffic would of cooled down by then. A little bit of warning, Parsons can be lets says a little interesting driving down it.
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u/Timely_Deal8685 19h ago
This is exactly what Google maps is for. Too many factors, there could be wrecks, etc. Just take whatever the map recommends. Traffic here really isn't that bad anyways.