Columbus 33rd Avenue reconstruction targets two-lane reopening before school starts

Columbus’ reconstruction of 33rd Avenue between 30th and 38th streets was scheduled to close the route to through traffic beginning May 21, with local access maintained for residents in the construction zone. The city is targeting a two-lane reopening by early August, before Columbus Public Schools resumes.

The work affects a major north-Columbus route used by commuters, residents and summer traffic. It is intended to restore two-way travel before the school year begins, although some project work could continue after vehicles return to both lanes.

What is being rebuilt

The project includes full roadway reconstruction, replacement of the concrete pavement and storm-sewer improvements along the section from 30th Street to 38th Street. The city has said storm-sewer failures contributed to the roadway’s deterioration.

Columbus identified the project as the top priority in its pavement-management plan for the fiscal year and approved the work through the adopted budget. The project was announced May 14, 2026, and construction was scheduled to begin May 21.

Gehring Construction & Ready Mix was selected as the lowest responsible bidder through competitive bidding. The city’s notices describe the project as coordinated for the summer, when Columbus Public Schools is out, to reduce disruption to school traffic.

Access and reopening target

While through traffic is closed during construction, the city notice says residents in the work zone will retain local access. That means drivers should not treat the corridor as available for normal north-south travel during the reconstruction period.

Officials set an early-August target for reopening the road to two lanes. The target refers to two-lane traffic, not necessarily completion of every element of the project. Additional sidewalks, driveways, seeding and other finish work may continue into late summer or September.

The approved source material does not confirm whether the early-August reopening had occurred by Aug. 8, 2026. It also does not provide a final project cost. The absence of a completion update does not establish that the project is delayed or that costs have exceeded the budget.

For Columbus residents, the practical change is the temporary loss of through travel on 33rd Avenue, paired with continued access to properties in the construction zone. The next stated milestone is the planned two-lane reopening before the start of the school year, followed by remaining finish work if needed.