COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big changes are on the way for drivers in Downtown Columbus.
Starting on Nov. 12, Front Street will officially convert from a one-way to a two-way street. Just a few days later, Marconi Boulevard will follow suit.
This shift has been in the works for months. The City of Columbus said it should make downtown traffic less confusing and enhance safety.
“When streets are one way, it allows for cars to drive faster, drive above the speed limit. Two-way conversion actually slows the cars down,” said Kelly Scocco, the public service director for the City of Columbus.
Residents said it’s a long-awaited change.
"It’s about time, but I’m still a bit surprised," said Rebbe Stephson, a Columbus resident. "It gets a little confusing, especially when you’re trying to find parking. Having two-way streets will make things a lot easier."
James Harrison, who has lived in Columbus for years, shared similar sentiments. He said when he used to drive downtown, it would be problematic because of his confusion with the one-way streets.
Harrison said he used to have to drive around multiple times to get to where he needed to go.
"I remember heading to Grant Hospital and needing to map out my route in advance," Harrison said.
Another resident said she thinks the change will make parking easier especially when going to city buildings and walking around downtown.
"It would be nice to have two-way traffic," she said. "It could cut down on a lot of congestion," she said.
The City of Columbus said parking on Front and Marconi will have minimal impacts. The parking spots will just now follow the new direction of traffic.
Digital signage will be installed to alert drivers of the new traffic patterns, and city officials urge everyone to drive carefully as they adjust to the changes.
The speed limit downtown is 25 mph.