Ohio Governor celebrates opening of three new and renovated rest areas

The Ohio governor attended several ceremonies celebrating the opening of two new and one renovated rest area  on Tuesday. 

The ribbon cutting ceremonies were held on August 5th in at three different rest stops in Washington and Belmont counties in Ohio. 

According to the press release, each of the three rest stops provides “cleaner, more accessible facilities with expanded truck parking, updated amenities, and features that highlight local attractions.”

The newly constructed rest areas include the new Ohio Welcome Center on I-70 westbound near St. Clairsville, and a new rest area on I-70 eastbound – both in Belmont county. 

The renovated rest area, dubbed the Ohio Welcome Center, can be found along I-77 near Marietta. 

“Modernizing our highway rest areas is about more than just convenience, it’s about safety, economic growth, and showcasing the best of our state,” said ODOT Director Pam Boratyn. 

At the end of July, Governor DeWine announced a $150 million plan to expand truck parking across the state by adding 1,400 new truck parking spaces in counties such as Belmont. The state plans to open 36 new rest areas and reopen more than 40 renovated rest areas by the end of 2026.