OVI Checkpoints in Tuscarawas

CityOVI Checkpoint LocationDate
Check BackThe location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday Evening.Friday, August 16, 2024
New PhiladelphiaUndisclosed Location - OVI CheckpointsMonday, December 31, 2023

Tuscarawas County is located in east-central Ohio, about halfway between Columbus and Pittsburgh. With its mix of small cities like New Philadelphia and Dover, scenic state routes, and rural townships, the county has several roadways that see high volumes of traffic — particularly on weekends and during local events. OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) checkpoints in Tuscarawas County are commonly conducted on major routes such as I-77, US-250, and SR-39, especially near city limits and along entertainment corridors.

Enforcement is handled by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (New Philadelphia Post), Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, and local police departments such as New Philadelphia PD, Dover PD, and others throughout the county.

About Tuscarawas County, Ohio

Tuscarawas County is part of Ohio’s Appalachian foothills and has a population of just under 100,000. It’s known for a strong Amish presence, historic canal towns, and a vibrant network of small communities. The county includes key cities and villages such as:

  • New Philadelphia (county seat)

  • Dover

  • Uhrichsville

  • Dennison

  • Sugarcreek

  • Strasburg

  • Gnadenhutten

  • Bolivar

  • Port Washington

  • Newcomerstown

The area has a blend of local festivals, wineries, sports events, and rural nightlife, all of which contribute to late-night traffic that’s monitored by local law enforcement.

Common Roads Where OVI Checkpoints Are Conducted

Tuscarawas County checkpoint locations are most often placed along:

  • I-77 (north–south through Dover, New Phila, Bolivar, Strasburg)

  • US-250 (from Uhrichsville to New Philadelphia)

  • SR-39 (runs east–west through Dover, Sugarcreek, and New Phila)

  • SR-800 (connects Dover to the southeast and other townships)

  • SR-93, SR-516, and SR-212 (through the northern and western townships)

Law Enforcement Agencies That Conduct OVI Checkpoints

  • Ohio State Highway Patrol – New Philadelphia Post

  • Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office

  • New Philadelphia Police Department

  • Dover Police Department

  • Uhrichsville Police Department

  • Sugarcreek Police Department

  • Strasburg Police Department

  • Bolivar Police Department

  • Dennison Police Department

High-Risk OVI Checkpoint Locations in Tuscarawas County

Law enforcement typically selects checkpoint locations based on impaired driving arrest data, crash history, and traffic volume. Below are the most commonly used areas for checkpoints in the county:

New Philadelphia – Bluebell Drive, SR-39 & East High Avenue

Checkpoint Areas:

  • Bluebell Drive NW between:

    • W High Avenue (US-250) and Tuscarawas Ave

  • East High Avenue (US-250) near:

    • Commercial shopping district

    • Walmart & Menards plaza

  • Mill Avenue SE and SR-416

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Tuscora Park

  • Kent State – Tuscarawas Campus

  • Downtown New Philadelphia restaurants

  • US-250/Bluebell commercial strip

Why it’s targeted:
New Philadelphia sees the highest traffic volumes in the county. The retail and dining zones off Bluebell Drive and US-250 are common checkpoint spots, particularly on weekends and during summer festivals.

Agencies: New Philadelphia PD, OSHP New Philadelphia Post, Sheriff’s Office

Dover – Wooster Avenue, SR-39 & N Wooster Avenue

Checkpoint Areas:

  • Wooster Avenue (SR-39) near:

    • Reeves Mill area

    • Crater Stadium

  • North Wooster Avenue (SR-800) leading toward Strasburg

  • Tuscarawas Avenue and Dover-Zoar Road

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds

  • Dover High School and Crater Stadium

  • Reeves Victorian Home Museum

  • Downtown Dover bars and restaurants

Why it’s targeted:
Dover is directly north of New Philadelphia and shares the same traffic routes. Checkpoints are set along SR-39 and SR-800, particularly during events at Crater Stadium or the county fairgrounds.

Agencies: Dover PD, OSHP, Sheriff’s Office

Uhrichsville & Dennison – US-250, N Water Street & Center Street

Checkpoint Areas:

  • US-250 near:

    • Trenton Avenue

    • Uhrichsville-Dennison border

  • North Water Street and Center Street (SR-800)

  • Dennison Yard rail district

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Twin City Water Park

  • Claymont High School

  • Downtown Dennison Historic District

  • Conotton Creek Trail area

Why it’s targeted:
This Twin Cities area (Uhrichsville and Dennison) sees checkpoint activity during prom weekends, parades, and summer gatherings. US-250 and SR-800 are the primary access routes.

Agencies: Uhrichsville PD, Dennison PD, OSHP

Strasburg, Bolivar & I-77 Corridor

Checkpoint Areas:

  • I-77 off-ramps and intersections near:

    • SR-212 in Bolivar

    • 2nd Street SW in Strasburg

  • North Wooster Avenue (SR-250) toward Strasburg Square

  • Park Avenue NW in Bolivar

Nearby Landmarks:

  • Fort Laurens Historic Site

  • Strasburg Franklin High School

  • Bolivar’s historic downtown

  • I-77 truck stop and fuel stations

Why it’s targeted:
These smaller communities border major interstates and rural roads used by long-distance drivers and weekend visitors. Enforcement here focuses on out-of-town traffic and festival/event traffic.

Agencies: Strasburg PD, Bolivar PD, OSHP

Sugarcreek & SR-39 Corridor

Checkpoint Areas:

  • SR-39 near:

    • Main Street downtown Sugarcreek

    • Broad Run Cheesehouse area

  • Broadway Street and Shanesville Road

Nearby Landmarks:

  • World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock

  • Local wineries and cheese shops

  • Amish Country tourism zone

Why it’s targeted:
Sugarcreek is a tourist-heavy area with traffic from Holmes and Wayne Counties. Wineries, bed-and-breakfasts, and events attract out-of-town drivers. Weekend and holiday checkpoints are common along SR-39 and Main Street.

Agencies: Sugarcreek PD, OSHP, Sheriff’s Office

When Are OVI Checkpoints Conducted in Tuscarawas County?

Drivers should expect sobriety checkpoints during:

  • Friday and Saturday nights (9 PM – 2 AM)

  • High school graduation weekends

  • During the Tuscarawas County Fair

  • Holiday periods such as:

    • Memorial Day

    • Independence Day

    • Labor Day

    • New Year’s Eve

  • Summer events in Sugarcreek and New Phila

  • Crater Stadium football games or concerts

The Ohio State Highway Patrol – New Philadelphia Post works closely with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office and local departments to deploy data-driven enforcement, particularly on routes with high OVI arrest records and crash histories.