ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- Motorists traveling through Belmont County and surrounding areas will encounter a mix of lane restrictions, ramp closures and detours as multiple Ohio Department of Transportation projects continue through the summer and into the fall.
Several of the largest projects are concentrated along Interstate 70 and Interstate 470, while resurfacing, bridge repairs and culvert replacements also will affect state Route and U.S. Route highways throughout Belmont, Harrison and Jefferson counties.
Among the largest long-term projects is the ongoing reconstruction of the Interstate 70/state Route 149 interchange at Exit 208 near Morristown. One lane of traffic will be maintained on Interstate 70 throughout construction. Traffic impacts on state Route 149 are expected to begin this fall. The interchange improvement project is scheduled for completion in summer 2029.
Beginning July 19, both Interstate 470 on-ramps from state Route 7 will close for bridge repairs through Aug. 20.
The westbound on-ramp detour directs motorists north on state Route 7 to Interstate 70 west. Drivers using the eastbound on-ramp will be detoured north on state Route 7 to Interstate 70 east, then east on U.S. Route 250 to reconnect with Interstate 470 east. During the work, southbound traffic on state Route 7 will be reduced to one lane near the interchange.
A resurfacing project continues along approximately 11 miles of U.S. Route 40 from Ladybend Hill at Interstate 70 east to the western edge of St. Clairsville. Traffic is being maintained by flaggers, with work expected to wrap up Sept. 30.
A resurfacing project also is underway on state Route 147, covering approximately eight miles from Barnesville through Bethesda to just west of Belmont. Traffic is being maintained by flaggers, and the project is scheduled for completion Sept. 30.
Several temporary road closures also are planned across Belmont County.
State Route 9 will close July 13-24 between Jug Run Road and Maynard Road north of St. Clairsville for multiple culvert replacements. Traffic will be detoured via U.S. Route 40 west, state Route 331 north and back to state Route 9.
Starting July 16, state Route 149 will close about one mile west of state Route 9 for a slide repair project expected to last 30 days. The posted detour follows state Route 9 south to state Route 147 west before reconnecting with state Route 149. The overall project is expected to be completed by Oct. 31.
State Route 148 remains closed about 1.5 miles west of Armstrong Mills at the Captina Creek bridge for emergency bridge repairs. ODOT has not announced when the roadway will reopen.
Elsewhere in Belmont County, crews continue repairing a culvert on state Route 149 west of Neffs Bellaire Road. While major traffic disruptions are not expected, flaggers will be used as needed. The project is scheduled for completion July 31.
In Harrison County, state Route 9 north of Cadiz will close July 13-17 between Camp Road and Hanover Ridge Road for a culvert replacement. Drivers will be detoured using state Route 151 east, U.S. Route 22 west and back to state Route 9.
A major pavement rehabilitation project also continues on nearly four miles of U.S. Route 22 west of Cadiz. One lane of traffic will remain open throughout construction, although temporary ramp closures may occur. The project is expected to continue through Oct. 31, 2027.
Construction also continues on a culvert replacement along state Route 212 just west of the state Route 212/state Route 151 intersection in Bowerston. No significant traffic impacts are expected, though intermittent flagging may occur when equipment enters or leaves the work zone. The project is scheduled for completion Sept. 30.
In Jefferson County, resurfacing work continues on state Route 7 between Brilliant and Steubenville. Daytime paving is taking place outside Steubenville, while work within the city is being performed overnight. One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout construction. The project is expected to be completed Oct. 31.
ODOT reminds motorists to slow down in work zones, watch for changing traffic patterns and allow extra travel time while construction is underway.
For more detailed traffic information, and to get personalized traffic alerts for your commute, download the OHGO app or visit OHGO.com.