OVI Checkpoints in Delaware

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
PowellNear Tyler Run Elementary School 580 Salisbury Dr, Powell, OH 43065December 31, 2024 | Tonight
PowellNear Tyler Run Elementary School 580 Salisbury Dr, Powell, OH 43065Friday Oct 27, 2024 | Tonight

 

About Delaware County, Ohio

Delaware County is located just north of Columbus, part of the Central Ohio region. The county seat is Delaware, and other major communities include Powell, Sunbury, Lewis Center, Galena, and Ostrander. Major highways like US 23, US 36, I-71, SR 37, and SR 315 run through the county, making it a busy corridor for both commuters and long-distance travelers.

Law enforcement agencies that typically conduct OVI checkpoints here include:

  • Ohio State Highway Patrol – Delaware Post

  • Delaware County Sheriff’s Office

  • Delaware City Police Department

  • Powell Police Department

  • Sunbury Police Department

  • Genoa Township Police

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Delaware County

OVI checkpoints are usually set up where there’s a combination of nightlife, crash history, heavy traffic flow, and easy visibility for police stops. Below are the most common checkpoint zones, explained in local terms that drivers will recognize.

US 23 – Delaware City to Lewis Center

Checkpoint Zone:

  • US Route 23, particularly between Home Rd and US 36/37

  • Common areas: Orange Rd, Lewis Center Rd, and near Shopping Centers

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Polaris Parkway area

  • Orange Township Hall

  • Olentangy Orange High School

  • Glenross Golf Club

Why it’s targeted: This stretch of US 23 sees constant traffic, with drivers commuting between Columbus and Delaware. It’s also a major commercial zone with big-box stores, restaurants, and bars, especially near the Lewis Center and Polaris exits. Law enforcement frequently stages checkpoints near Orange Rd and Lewis Center Rd, where wide shoulders and turn lanes make it easier to stop vehicles safely.

Agencies: OSHP (Delaware Post), Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Orange Township deputies

US 36 / SR 37 – East & West of Delaware City

Checkpoint Zone:

  • US 36 and SR 37 through Delaware City and extending to Sunbury

  • Frequent sites near Bowtown Rd, Glenn Pkwy, and Point Township

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Ohio Wesleyan University

  • Delaware Hayes High School

  • Tanger Outlets (east toward Sunbury)

  • Grady Memorial Hospital

Why it’s targeted: This corridor sees a high mix of student, local, and highway traffic. With OWU in the area and numerous fast-food chains, gas stations, and strip plazas, checkpoints often appear near Glenn Parkway or heading out east on SR 37 toward I-71 and Tanger Outlets. It’s a route used heavily during weekends and holiday shopping traffic.

Agencies: Delaware PD, OSHP, Sunbury PD

SR 315 – Powell Area to Delaware State Park

Checkpoint Zone:

  • State Route 315 from Powell Rd (SR 750) north to Delaware Lake

  • Known checkpoint locations near Hyatts Rd and Home Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

  • Liberty Township Park

  • Delaware State Park and Campgrounds

  • Powell YMCA

Why it’s targeted: SR 315 is a scenic, two-lane highway running alongside the Olentangy River. It’s popular for both leisure driving and local events, including those at the Zoo or Delaware Park. Checkpoints are commonly placed just north of Powell, where visibility is clear and traffic slows down around intersections like Hyatts Rd.

Agencies: Powell PD, Liberty Township Deputies, OSHP

I-71 at SR 36/37 Interchange – Sunbury

Checkpoint Zone:

  • SR 36/37 Interchange at I-71, leading into Sunbury and Berkshire Township

  • High-traffic zones near Walmart, Tanger Outlets, and Truck Stops

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Love’s Travel Stop

  • Tanger Outlets Columbus

  • Big Walnut High School

  • Berkshire Corners development

Why it’s targeted: This area has a large number of out-of-town drivers, especially during holidays and weekends. It’s also close to nightlife and retail hubs. Checkpoints are often placed around Fourwinds Dr or Beecher Crossing, where vehicles slow down entering the commercial zones. Officers monitor both local bar traffic and interstate travelers.

Agencies: Sunbury PD, Delaware County Sheriff, OSHP

Powell Rd (SR 750) – Liberty Township

Checkpoint Zone:

  • SR 750 between Liberty St and Sawmill Parkway

  • Checkpoints often set near Scioto Reserve Blvd and Home Rd

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Powell City Hall

  • Scioto Reserve Country Club

  • Liberty Park Complex

  • Multiple neighborhood pubs and family restaurants

Why it’s targeted: SR 750 is a major connector for suburban nightlife, especially for those traveling to and from golf clubs, parties, or local events. Many checkpoints occur just west of downtown Powell, where wide suburban roads allow safe vehicle stops. It’s also close to residential developments with frequent weekend gatherings.

Agencies: Powell PD, Liberty Township Deputies

Delaware City – Sandusky St & William St

Checkpoint Zone:

  • Sandusky St (SR 203) and William St (US 36) in downtown Delaware

  • Common near Winter St, Lincoln Ave, and Wilmer St

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Ohio Wesleyan University campus

  • Downtown bars and eateries

  • Amato’s Woodfired Pizza, The Backstretch Bar

  • Perkins Observatory nearby

Why it’s targeted: This is the downtown entertainment district in Delaware City, with frequent student and nightlife activity. Checkpoints here are aimed at catching impaired drivers leaving the bar strip or heading back toward campus or SR 315. The Sandusky and William intersection is large and centrally located, making it ideal for checkpoint visibility and maneuverability.

Agencies: Delaware PD, OSHP, Delaware County Sheriff

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Delaware County?

Checkpoints are most common on:

  • Friday and Saturday nights, especially from 9 PM to 2 AM

  • Major holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, New Year’s Eve

  • During college weekends, graduation parties, and fair season

  • Local events: Powell Festival, Delaware County Fair, and Zoo concerts

Checkpoints are typically announced in advance by the Ohio State Highway Patrol or local departments, with exact times and streets usually posted on the day of the checkpoint.