New Philadelphia, Ohio (Tuesday, July 27, 2010) – Interstate 70 traffic patterns will be changed Thursday night, July 29th, in Belmont County as part of the five-mile, $23 million major upgrade project.

Between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., 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. During this time, motorists may experience possible delays. This work stretches 2.5 miles on each side of Exit 208.

Additionally during this work, the westbound on and off ramps at the State Route 149 Exit will be closed intermittently for striping.

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