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TL Photo/JOSIE BURKHART Cars travel on U.S. 40 in Belmont County on Tuesday, as authorities expect traffic to increase as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — About 70 million people across the U.S. are planning to travel this Fourth of July, including 3.3 million Ohio residents.
AAA predicts the busiest days for road traffic will be July 3, when people head to their destinations, and July 7, when people return home. Kara Hitchens, public relations manager for AAA, said this year has been a record-breaking year for Independence Day travel.
Hitchens offered some safety tips for this holiday travel. She said it’s important to inspect your car before traveling to avoid the headache of being stranded on the side of the road and eliminate road safety issues due to damage to the car. For those planning to fly, she recommended downloading airline apps so they notify you if there are any delays or cancellations.
Lauren Borell, public information officer for the Ohio Department of Transportation District 11, said traffic volumes are expected to increase on Interstate 70, Interstate 77, U.S. 22, U.S. 250 and Ohio 7 in Belmont County this year.
The heaviest traffic is expected on Wednesdays and Sundays between 1pm and 4pm, she said.
While road closures and congestion are expected this year, Borrell said the Oregon Department of Transportation is working closely with contractors to minimize traffic impacts as much as possible over the holidays by lifting lane closures, especially on interstates and in construction zones where temporary road closures can be used to allow traffic to flow more easily.
Motorists can check traffic information across Ohio, including Belmont, Harrison and Monroe counties, on the ODOT traffic information webpage at transportation.ohio.gov.
Popular destinations for locals this holiday include outdoor recreational facilities such as The Zion Retreat & RV Center in Flushing. The retreat’s campsites and cabins are fully booked for the upcoming weekend, according to Jackie Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Bureau. Pugh also believes Barkcamp State Park is nearly booked up.
“People love to go outside and have campfires and watch fireworks.” She said “And really enjoy the Fourth of July summer holiday tradition while eating hot dogs and hamburgers around a campfire.”
Belmont County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy James Zack said deputies will be on regular patrol over the holidays, and while there will be more traffic and people traveling around the county, the deputies’ daily duties will remain the same.
He said his office sees an increase in call volume during the holidays, including service, domestic, fireworks and noise complaints. His deputies will be making rounds at small businesses to make sure they are OK with the increased number of people stopping at gas stations while traveling.
Zusak said call volume has increased but is not overwhelming, and if the office needs additional resources, he is prepared to provide them.
Other calls officers have received include from residents reporting that their pets or livestock are being distressed by the noise of fireworks, and officers are advising residents to be careful with their livestock and keep pets indoors.
“Our office wants everyone to have a safe holiday, and we don’t want anyone to ruin it by behaving inappropriately.” He said. “That’s not something we want to do, but if we have to, we will. But from our office, we just hope that you all have a safe and happy Independence Day.”
Sergeant Brittany Brannan of the Ohio Highway Patrol’s St. Clairsville division said an increased presence of state troopers is expected on Interstates 70 and 470, as well as major state highways such as Ohio 7 and U.S. 40.
A holiday reporting period will be in place, meaning officers will have increased visibility from midnight on July 3 until midnight on July 7, she said.
There will be increased enforcement of drunk driving and laying off drunk drivers. While this enforcement is the main focus, it doesn’t change the day-to-day work that officers follow. An officer’s day-to-day work includes enforcing distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving and seat belt use, which are all big factors, Brannan said.
She said National Guard overtime is funded by federal funding given to the state, but federal overtime is earmarked for specific items. The overtime posted for the July 4 reporting period is primarily to focus on DUI and speed enforcement.
Brannan said there will be increased patrol personnel on the roads during the holiday period, as well as increased visibility and presence to increase public safety on the roads.
The St. Clairsville Division of the Highway State Police is tasked with covering Belmont and Monroe counties.
Brannan called on drivers to not drink and drive after celebrating the holiday, emphasizing how important it is to eliminate distractions while driving.
“If you are taking part in Independence Day celebrations, we ask that you be responsible and designate a sober driver or use ride-sharing apps or taxi services available in your area.” She said: “Of course, please put your phone down while driving to avoid unnecessary distractions in the car, and as always, please fasten your seat belt.”