If you drive Northwest Boulevard between Wilshire Drive and Five Points, your commute just changed. Crews began tearing out curbs on Aug. 3, launching a $2.6 million reconstruction that will keep the 1.5-mile corridor under rolling construction through fall 2026.

The project is the third and final phase of a multi-year rebuild of Northwest Boulevard, following Phase 1 in 2020 and Phase 2 in 2021. It also follows Columbia Gas infrastructure work on the same stretch in spring 2026.

Drivers will find one lane open in each direction throughout the project, but the active work zone will shift every couple of weeks. Northbound traffic initially moves into the southbound lanes while crews tear out and replace curb, gutter and driveway aprons on the east side.

According to the city's project page, the first phase of east-side work covers three sections: Wilshire Drive to Northam Road, Ridgeview Road to Zollinger Road, and Trentwood Road to Fishinger Road. Additional east-side sections follow before crews flip to the west side. Each section takes roughly two weeks.

After all curb and apron work wraps up across the corridor, Decker Construction will begin full-depth roadway reconstruction. The city said it will share details on traffic impacts for that phase before it starts.

Residents whose driveways fall inside an active work zone will get advance notice from the city about temporary access restrictions and alternative parking. Project manager Paul Selegue can be reached at 614-583-5379; field contact Troy Legg is available at 614-570-2039.

Upper Arlington held a public open house on June 23 at the Municipal Services Center, where residents and business owners could review the reconstruction plans. The city's Capital Improvement Program listing shows the project's full scope, including storm sewer enhancements beyond the curb-and-gutter work.

The city's official X account, @CityofUA, is posting updates as work progresses.