Work on one phase of the Downtown interstate project has been delayed until next year because of expected decreases in state fuel tax revenues due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Expected decreases in Ohio’s fuel tax revenue from the coronavirus pandemic are pushing back work on one phase of the Interstate 70/71 project in Downtown Columbus to next year.

Work was supposed to begin this year on the phase that includes the replacement of the Front Street bridge over the freeway, and roadwork improvements on the interstates near the bridge, as well as work on Front Street and Mound and Fulton streets.

But in a letter to contractors this week, Lloyd MacAdam, chief engineer and Ohio Department of Transportation assistant director of transportation policy, said the work will be pushed back to the first two quarters of 2021.

MacAdam attributes the move to the impact of the coronavirus on the economy, with workers being laid off and others working from home and not driving.

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"As you are aware, this situation has resulted in significant impacts to our economy," MacAdam wrote. "Many employers have had to make the difficult decision to lay employees off. We have seen a substantial increase in people working from home. The net effect will certainly be a significant decrease in revenue generated from the Motor Fuel Tax."

ODOT still plans to permanently close the southbound ramp from I-71 to Broad Street and the northbound ramp from Broad Street to I-71 on April 9 for reconstruction work. Later this year, it will close the southbound ramp from Broad Street to I-71 and the northbound ramp from I-71 to Broad Street.

Construction along I-70 eastbound near Nationwide Children’s Hospital is expected to continue.

mferench@dispatch.com

@MarkFerenchik