The two major roads in downtown Columbus are 3^rd and 4^th Street, both of which will be seeing a much needed facelift this coming spring and summer.

As if the downtown Columbus traffic could not get any worse, commuters and new residents who are moving to Columbus should possibly try to avoid downtown’s 3^rd and 4^th streets, as they will be completely repaved. The idea for repaving downtown Columbus’ two major arteries came from plans that have been underway for years that include making both streets easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to navigate.

As exciting as fresh, pedestrian friendly roads may sound, the major traffic that the construction is going to create is going to make it a headache for commuters and those who are moving to downtown Columbus for work. In fact, the redesign may make traffic permanently more difficult. Nonetheless, Columbus moving companies are glad that the new roads will be more pedestrian friendly and safe.

The work will create “a safer and more aesthetically pleasing road in the heart of Downtown,” said Jeff Ortega, assistant director in the Department of Public Service. “The capacity on the roads can be accommodated by fewer lanes.”

Currently, repaving downtown Columbus’ two main arteries is ideal, because the present three lanes are not needed to accommodate the amount of traffic that 3^rd and 4^th see every day. Construction has already started and is expected to be complete by the end of June. If you are moving to Columbus, watch out for lane closures and map out alternate routes if possible.