Construction in downtown Columbus to affect traffic near courthouse

Published on April 07, 2026

Sign warning pedestrians to watch for construction traffic

Construction in downtown Columbus may affect your travel to Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court beginning in April.

Changes around the Franklin County Government Complex began in early April in preparation for the demolition of a Sheriff ’s Office building on High Street between Mound Street and Fulton Street.

Columbus officials announced that fencing is expected to be erected soon around the James A. Karnes Building at 410 S. High St. and the Dorrian Commons at the corner of High Street and Mound Street, which will change pedestrian traffic patterns and alter parking and traffic around the government complex. The Karnes building is being torn down to make way for construction of a new Franklin County Municipal Courthouse on High Street between Mound Street and Fulton Street later this year.

Visitors to Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court, as well as other courts and county offices in the courthouse complex, in this area should be mindful of these changes and plan for additional time for travel and parking. Changes for the foreseeable future include:

Sidewalk closures

• East side of High Street in front of the Dorrian Commons and James A. Karnes building, and Fulton Street, between High Street and the Fulton Street parking garage.

Lane restriction

• Rush hour restrictions for turning left from S. High Street to Fulton Street are expected in the coming weeks.

Parking garage changes

• The Fulton Street Parking Garage remains open to the public.

• Pedestrians walking out of the Fulton Street garage will be directed to exit onto Mound Street.

• One of two pay toll booths used in exiting the Fulton Street garage will close to allow for extra walkway space for pedestrian traffic.

• Signage is being added allowing motorists to exit the garage on to Fulton Street, which was previously only for Franklin County employees.

These changes are due to ongoing projects managed by the City of Columbus, Franklin County, and ODOT. We will continue to provide updates as that information is made available so that visitors to all Franklin County Courts and Agencies can stay informed.