‘Rough for truck drivers’ — Three I-70 rest areas in Ohio to close for a year

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will shutter three I-70 rest areas for a year for demolition and reconstruction of the facilities.

On November 30, 2023, ODOT will shut down the rest areas located on I-70 in Belmont County at mile marker 210 (eastbound and westbound) and Muskingum County at mile marker 163 (westbound).

During the closure, ODOT will demolish and then rebuild the rest area facilities.

Parking will be unavailable during demolition and construction.

“They will actually be demolishing the entire structures on the east and westbound side of I-70 for the Belmont County rest areas. During that time, the rest areas will of course be closed to all traffic. We anticipate this closure to last about a year,” said ODOT Spokeswoman Lauren Borell.

“It will be rough (for truck drivers) because there’s not one for 100 miles and this place is full every night. They’re down both sides of the ramps, almost down to the next exit. … People love coming here. We get so many compliments,” said custodial supervisor Sherry Byers, according to the Times Leader.

ODOT recommends drivers utilize the Guernsey County Eastbound rest area or the Licking Eastbound and West Bound rest area during the closure.