OVI Checkpoints in Muskingum

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
ZanesvilleOVI checkpoint on West Main Street in Zanesville with assistance from the Zanesville Police Department and Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office.Friday, September 12, 2025, From 7 PM to 10 PM
ZanesvilleNear Northpointe Dr, Zanesville, OH 43701Sat, Aug 26, 2023 | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
ZanesvilleNear Maysville Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701Fri, Aug 27, 2021 | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

 

Muskingum County is located in east-central Ohio and includes the city of Zanesville, the county seat, as well as surrounding townships and smaller communities like South Zanesville, Dresden, New Concord, and Frazeysburg. The county is connected by several major highways, including I-70, US-40, US-22, and SR-60, which see regular traffic from commuters, students, and truckers alike.

Law enforcement in Muskingum County conducts OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) checkpoints in high-risk areas—places with a history of DUI-related crashes, bar traffic, or access to major highways. If you drive in or around Zanesville, knowing where these checkpoints typically pop up can help you stay alert and avoid unnecessary trouble.

About Muskingum County, Ohio

Muskingum County blends urban Zanesville with rural and college-town communities. Major routes like I-70 and SR-60 pass through high-traffic zones where checkpoints are commonly staged. Key municipalities in the county include:

  • Zanesville

  • South Zanesville

  • Dresden

  • New Concord

  • Frazeysburg

  • Philo

  • Adamsville

Major Roads Used for Checkpoints:

  • I-70

  • US-22

  • US-40 (National Road)

  • SR-60

  • SR-146

  • SR-555

  • SR-93

Law Enforcement Agencies That Conduct OVI Checkpoints:

  • Ohio State Highway Patrol – Zanesville Post

  • Zanesville Police Department

  • Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office

  • South Zanesville Police Department

  • New Concord Police Department

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Muskingum County

These are the most common areas where sobriety checkpoints are conducted in Muskingum County. Locations are selected based on crash data, DUI arrest history, and traffic flow patterns.

I-70 Corridor – Zanesville Area Exits

Checkpoint Area:

  • I-70 near exits:

    • Exit 152 (Underwood Street / SR-60)

    • Exit 155 (Maple Avenue / SR-60 North)

    • Exit 160 (Adamsville Road / SR-93)

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Zane State College & Ohio University Zanesville

  • Colony Square Mall

  • Muskingum County Fairgrounds

  • Hotels and gas stations near exits

Why it’s targeted:
I-70 is one of the busiest highways in the region, and these exits connect drivers to the heart of Zanesville. Law enforcement often targets exit ramps or adjacent roads during holiday weekends and late-night hours, especially near Adamsville Road and SR-60.

Agencies: OSHP Zanesville Post, Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office

Maple Avenue / North Zanesville

Checkpoint Area:

  • Maple Avenue (SR-60) near:

    • Brandywine Boulevard

    • Military Road

    • Northpointe Drive

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Shopping centers and chain restaurants

  • Northpointe Center

  • Genesis Hospital

  • Zanesville Country Club

Why it’s targeted:
This stretch of Maple Avenue is heavily trafficked, especially in the evening hours. With multiple restaurants, retail shops, and its connection to downtown Zanesville, it’s a frequent location for checkpoints or saturation patrols.

Agencies: Zanesville PD, OSHP

Downtown Zanesville – SR-60 and US-40

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-60 / South River Road near:

    • Putnam Avenue

    • Main Street

    • Underwood Street

  • US-40 / Main Street bridge area

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Downtown bars and restaurants

  • Muskingum County Courthouse

  • Historic Putnam District

  • Seilers’ Marketplace area

Why it’s targeted:
Downtown Zanesville has a mix of local taverns, restaurants, and event venues. SR-60 and US-40 intersect here, and checkpoints are often set up near the river or downtown bridge areas during weekends and local events.

Agencies: Zanesville PD, Muskingum County Sheriff

South Zanesville – SR-22 / Maysville Pike

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-22 (Maysville Pike) near:

    • Clay Street

    • Fairview Road

    • Gorsuch Road

Nearby Landmarks:

  • South Zanesville Kroger

  • Maysville High School

  • Small shopping centers and fast food outlets

Why it’s targeted:
This area is a key southbound route for drivers leaving Zanesville. With nearby schools, businesses, and residential neighborhoods, checkpoints are sometimes placed along SR-22/Maysville Pike where traffic flow slows down.

Agencies: South Zanesville PD, OSHP

New Concord – SR-83 and US-40

Checkpoint Area:

  • SR-83 / Friendship Drive near:

    • US-40 (Main Street)

    • Interstate 70 Exit 169

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Muskingum University

  • Village shops and eateries

  • Residential neighborhoods

Why it’s targeted:
New Concord is home to Muskingum University, and enforcement increases during school breaks, graduation weekends, or major sports events. Checkpoints are occasionally staged on SR-83 or near I-70 access points.

Agencies: New Concord PD, OSHP

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Muskingum County?

Checkpoints in Muskingum County are typically scheduled for:

  • Friday and Saturday nights, between 9 PM and 2 AM

  • Major holidays and weekends, including:

    • Fourth of July

    • Labor Day

    • Memorial Day

    • Thanksgiving Eve

    • New Year’s Eve

  • College and community events in Zanesville and New Concord

The Ohio State Highway Patrol – Zanesville Post leads most highway-based checkpoints, while Zanesville Police, Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office, and smaller local agencies handle enforcement in city and village areas.