OVI Checkpoints in Belmont

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
BridgeportAn OVI checkpoint will be set up at the intersection of State Route 7 and Aetna Street in Belmont County.Friday, October 31, 2025 | 10 PM to 1 AM
BridgeportState Route 7 at Aetna Street in Belmont CountyFriday, August 15, 2025 – 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM
BridgeportNear 101 Aetna St, Bridgeport, OH 43912Sat, Oct 28, 2023, 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
BridgeportOh-7 Near CVSSat, Aug 19, 2023, 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM

About Belmont County, Ohio

Belmont County sits in eastern Ohio, right along the West Virginia border, with Interstate 70 (I-70) cutting straight through. The largest towns and cities include St. Clairsville (county seat), Martins Ferry, Bellaire, Bridgeport, Barnesville, and Shadyside. With a mix of rural routes, state highways, and major interstates, the county sees a high volume of both local and through traffic.

DUI enforcement in Belmont County is coordinated by several agencies:

  • Ohio State Highway Patrol – St. Clairsville Post

  • Belmont County Sheriff’s Office

  • Local police departments in towns like Bellaire, Martins Ferry, and Bridgeport

Checkpoints are typically staged in areas with high DUI arrest rates, near nightlife spots, truck stops, and major intersections where accidents are more common.

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Belmont County

Below are the top zones where OVI checkpoints are most likely to appear, based on historical data, traffic flow, and law enforcement operations.

I-70 Corridor – Exit 218 to Exit 220 (St. Clairsville)

Checkpoint Focus:

  • I-70 near Exit 218 (US 40 / Mall Rd) to Exit 220 (SR 7 Connector)

  • Mall Rd, National Rd (US 40), and Banfield Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Ohio Valley Mall (67800 Mall Rd)

  • Sheetz (68500 Addie Way)

  • Cracker Barrel, Red Lobster, and several hotels near the mall

Why it’s targeted: This is one of the most heavily patrolled areas in Belmont County. With tons of restaurant traffic, hotels, and I-70 access, law enforcement often stages checkpoints around Mall Rd and US 40, especially on weekend nights. The wide roadways and parking lots near the mall make for easy checkpoint staging.

Law Enforcement: OSHP (St. Clairsville Post) with Belmont County Sheriff support

US Route 40 (National Road) – Between St. Clairsville and Bridgeport

Checkpoint Area:

  • US 40 from downtown St. Clairsville to Blaine and Bridgeport

  • Common locations include intersections with Blaine-Chermont Rd, CR 4 (High Ridge Rd), and Colerain Pike

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Blaine Post Office

  • Belmont Technical College

  • Kroger and Speedway near St. Clairsville

Why it’s targeted: National Road is a frequent backroad alternative to I-70. DUI checkpoints are often placed near Blaine Hill or west of Bridgeport, where drivers may exit the interstate to avoid known enforcement zones. Rural bars and scattered truck stops also contribute to OVI enforcement in this area.

Law Enforcement: OSHP and Belmont County Sheriff’s Office

State Route 7 (SR 7) – Martins Ferry to Bellaire to Shadyside

Checkpoint Focus:

  • SR 7 North–South Corridor from Martins Ferry through Bellaire to Shadyside

  • Key intersections: Hanover St, 41st St, SR 149, and Wegee Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Bellaire Bridge area (historic checkpoint location)

  • Martins Ferry High School

  • Shadyside Marina and Jamboree Grounds

Why it’s targeted: SR 7 runs along the Ohio River, connecting several towns with active bar scenes and high commuter traffic. Law enforcement often sets up DUI checkpoints near riverfront roads, bridge exits, or festival venues. Bellaire, in particular, has a history of DUI-related incidents, and the area near the old Bellaire toll bridge has been used for OVI operations in the past.

Law Enforcement: Bellaire PD, Martins Ferry PD, and OSHP

SR 147 and SR 800 – Barnesville & Rural West Belmont County

Checkpoint Focus:

  • SR 147 near Barnesville Hospital and SR 800 junction

  • Back roads like Somerton Hwy, Chestnut St, and East Main St

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Barnesville Hospital (639 W Main St)

  • Skyvue Drive-In Theater

  • Olney Friends School

Why it’s targeted: Barnesville is a known hotspot for roving DUI patrols during Barnesville Pumpkin Festival and local fair season. SR 147 connects several villages and rural routes, with limited lighting and narrow shoulders — conditions known for higher crash rates involving impaired drivers.

Law Enforcement: Barnesville Police Department and Belmont County Sheriff’s Office

Bridgeport & Brookside – SR 250 and Wheeling Island Access

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR 250 and US 40 near Bridgeport, Brookside, and Wheeling Island bridges

  • Common locations: Howard St, Zane Hwy, and National Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Bridgeport High School

  • Bridgeport Marina

  • Wheeling Suspension Bridge (to West Virginia)

Why it’s targeted: As a major crossing point into Wheeling, WV, Bridgeport is often used as a staging area for checkpoints during cross-border enforcement blitzes. Law enforcement watches for impaired drivers coming back into Ohio, particularly late at night and around sports events, concerts, or casino nights in Wheeling.

Law Enforcement: Bridgeport PD and Belmont County Sheriff’s Office

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Belmont County?

  • Usual days: Friday & Saturday nights

  • Hours: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

  • High-enforcement periods:

    • Holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, New Year’s)

    • County fair weeks

    • Barnesville Pumpkin Festival

    • Wheeling events drawing traffic into Ohio

    • Football season (high school and NFL Sundays)

Police agencies must give advance public notice of upcoming checkpoints. However, exact locations are typically released only hours before the checkpoint starts. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Belmont County Sheriff usually post these updates via press releases or local news.