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Drivers and residents in the East Walnut Hills and Columbia Parkway areas should prepare for significant traffic disruptions following the holidays.
On Friday, the City Government of Cincinnati announced a series of road and sidewalk closures beginning the evening of Monday, December 29, and extending through the afternoon of Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The closures are expected to impact commuter routes and neighborhood access significantly.
Affected areas
According to the announcement, the following closures will be in effect around the clock during this period:
- William Howard Taft Road: Closed from 1905 William Howard Taft Road to East McMillan Street.
- Collins Avenue: Closed from William Howard Taft Road to the area beneath the Route 50/Columbia Parkway overpass.
- Neighborhood Streets: Full closures on Taft Road Lane and Heatherhill Lane.
- Pedestrian Access: Both northern and southern sidewalks on William Howard Taft Road (from Collins Avenue to 1905 William Howard Taft Road) and western and eastern sidewalks on Collins Avenue will be closed.
Recommended detours
Commuters are strongly encouraged to avoid the area if possible. Officials have designated Torrence Parkway, Madison Road, and Woodburn Avenue as the primary detour routes while these restrictions are in place.
Resident and delivery access
Residents living within the closure zone will still be able to access their homes, though they should expect delays due to heightened security measures. Access will be granted via three specific checkpoints staffed by law enforcement:
- Vehicle Checkpoint: William Howard Taft Road and Torrence Parkway.
- Vehicle Checkpoint: William Howard Taft Road and East McMillan Street.
- Pedestrian-Only Checkpoint: Riverside Drive and Collins Avenue.
Law enforcement officers will be stationed at these locations to verify access. Delivery trucks and commercial services servicing addresses within the restricted zone are permitted to use the vehicle checkpoints.
Officials advise residents to factor in extra travel time when navigating these security checkpoints throughout the week.
Also read:
OSHP holiday crackdown: What Ohio drivers need to know for end of 2025
