New Philadelphia, Ohio (Monday, July 26, 2010) – Interstate 70 traffic patterns are expected to change later this week in Belmont County as part of the five-mile, $23 million major upgrade project.

All four lanes of I-70 will be switched over into the eastbound lanes with the exception of the bridges to allow for the reconstruction of the westbound lanes Wednesday or Thursday, weather depending. This work stretches 2.5 miles on each side of Exit 208.

This traffic pattern is expected to remain in place until November or December of this year.

Motorists are urged to use caution while adjusting to these changes.

ODOT's contractor for this project is Kokosing Construction Company, from Columbus, Ohio, and the completion date is October 31, 2011.

ODOT reminds motorists to SLOW DOWN for the "Cone Zone;" turn on headlights and drive carefully in work zones.  Drive responsibly for your safety and the safety of the highway workers.  Remember, fines in work zones are doubled for not obeying traffic signs. Minimize distractions – turn OFF cell phones in construction zones.  Remember to always buckle up.

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or email D11.PIO@dot.state.oh.us