CINCINNATI — The Ohio Department of Transportation said the Lytle Tunnel will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for maintenance. 

What You Need To Know

  • Additionally, ODOT said southbound I-71 will be closed at Exit 2 and through the tunnel on Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

  • ODOT said while the tunnel is closed in the northbound direction, traffic will be detoured by way of I-75 northbound to S.R. 126/Ronald Reagan Cross Country Highway and I-71

  • When it's closed southbound, traffic will be detoured to I-471 and I-275 West to I-71/I-75, or from Ronald Reagon and I-75 southbound

On those days, northbound I-71 will be closed at the I-71 and I-75 split. There will also be other restrictions and ramp closures:

  • The second street entrance ramp to I-71 northbound in Cincinnati will be closed, and traffic will be routed to the Fifth Street entrance ramp instead
  • There will be no access to the tunnel from eastbound Fort Washington Way, but U.S. 50 East will remain open

Additionally, ODOT said southbound I-71 will be closed at Exit 2 and through the tunnel on Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. 

The following ramp closures will also be in effect for southbound I-71 during this time:

  • U.S. 42/Eden Park Drive entrance ramp will be closed, and drivers can use the Liberty Street entrance ramp to southbound I-471 and follow I-71 detour
  • Third Street exit ramp to I-71 South will be closed, and drivers can take Gilbert Avenue/Reading Road to access downtown

ODOT said while the tunnel is closed in the northbound direction, traffic will be detoured by way of I-75 northbound to S.R. 126/Ronald Reagan Cross Country Highway and I-71. 

When it's closed southbound, traffic will be detoured to I-471 and I-275 West to I-71/I-75, or from Ronald Reagon and I-75 southbound. 

ODOT said there will be signs up to help direct drivers around the closures.