Columbus Will Close Streets for Horse Congress
Local businesses should plan for traffic shifts near the Ohio Expo Center starting September 24.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Do you find that street closures for local events cause significant disruptions to your daily commute?
Columbus officials will implement temporary street closures around the Ohio Expo Center starting September 24, 2026, to manage logistics for the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. These adjustments will remain in place for one month to accommodate the influx of visitors to the venue.
Why it matters
The closures will alter traffic patterns for commuters and delivery routes for businesses operating near 17th and Velma Avenues. By redirecting transit to I-71 exit 111, the city aims to manage congestion during the high-attendance event.
Gas prices in Columbus have risen 30.9 cents to an average of $4.52, a figure that may impact the total cost of transport for vendors and suppliers navigating the diverted event routes.
The players
Ohio Expo Center
A major event facility that hosts large-scale exhibitions and gatherings requiring significant traffic management.
Historic Crew Stadium
A prominent local sports and entertainment venue located near the site of the upcoming street closures.
The details
The city will utilize physical barriers to close 17th Avenue between Clara and Dora Avenues and Velma Avenue between 17th Avenue and Hiawatha Street. While these sections are blocked to through traffic, 17th Avenue will stay accessible to those visiting the Ohio Expo Center, the Ohio History Connection, and Historic Crew Stadium. Operators in the area are encouraged to utilize Hudson Street or 11th Avenue as alternative routes to bypass the congestion.
Timeline
September 24, 2026, 5 a.m.: Street closures begin.
October 27, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: Street closures end.
October 28, 2026: The city plans to reopen all streets.
Market Landscape
This closure follows the city of Columbus traffic management protocols for large-scale events, which rely on restricted access points to manage high volumes of visitors. It mirrors historical traffic mitigation efforts used during previous iterations of the congress.
Business owners in the immediate vicinity should update delivery schedules and client transit instructions to account for the closure of 17th and Velma Avenues. Staff and vendors should be directed toward I-71 exit 111 to avoid localized gridlock throughout the month-long event.
The takeaway
Large-scale events at the Ohio Expo Center require businesses to proactively communicate logistical changes to both suppliers and customers. Operators should monitor their shipping costs, as the combination of traffic delays and rising fuel prices may affect delivery margins.
What happens next
All closed streets are scheduled to be reopened to the public on October 28, 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on operational changes in the area, visit the Columbus Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTTE.
Live Poll
Do you find that street closures for local events cause significant disruptions to your daily commute?
