Winter Safety for Drivers
Don’t Crowd the Plow
Watch Out for Blind Spots: The plow driver’s field of vision is limited. As a general rule: If you can’t see the plow truck’s side mirrors, the truck driver can’t see you. Always stay two to three car lengths behind the plow.
Ice and Snow, Take it Slow: Snowplows travel well below the posted speed limit. Be patient and provide plow drivers the room they need to complete their work. Try not to pass the plow. Watch for sudden stops or turns.
Beware of Snow Clouds: Additional, plow trucks have a tendency to leave snow clouds as the push snow accumulations off the roadways, creating a limited visibility for drivers around them.
Prepare for Your Trip
Leave Early: Monitor weather conditions before you plan to leave and expect any trip to take double the normal amount of time. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
Know Before You Go: Use OHGO, ODOT’s real-time traffic information website and mobile application, to see current traffic speeds, live traffic cameras, and current weather conditions.
Plan Your Route: Avoid steep upgrades and lightly traveled roads where deep snow drifts may form.
Clear Your Vehicle: Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights, and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen while on the road.
Inspect Your Car: Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts, and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day – and dangerous on a bad weather day.
Learn more Winter Safety for Drivers | Ohio Department of Transportation
Belmont County: Construction Update
Current and upcoming road closures and restrictions for Belmont County are listed below. Click on each route to see the location at OHGO.com
State Route 148 daytime closure: Starting December 8, State Route 148 will close during daytime hours from east of State Route 800 to Pleasant Ridge Road during daytime hours, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., for tree trimming work. Traffic will be detoured via State Route 800 south to State Route 145 north, State Route 145 north back to State Route 148, and reverse. The completion date is December 19, 2025.
Blaine Hill Bridge – U.S. Route 40 closure: U.S. Route 40 is closed at the Blaine Hill Bridge located west of Bridgeport between County Road 10 and County Road 214 for a bridge rehabilitation project. The official detour is U.S. 40 east to I-70 west, I-70 west back to U.S. 40, and reverse. Click here to visit the project webpage for updates. The road is expected to reopen by summer 2026, with the overall project completion date set for October 31, 2026.
