Governor DeWine Celebrates the Opening of Three New Rest Areas in Belmont and Washington Counties
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine celebrated the opening of three new re-imagined rest area buildings with ribbon-cuttings today in Belmont and Washington counties.
Across the state, Governor DeWine is enhancing the safety, experience, and accessibility for travelers in Ohio, while sharing Ohio’s natural history, historic past, and popular attractions at re-imagined rest areas. New facilities include native Ohio plants, dog trails, rocking chairs, and Storybook Trails, which give kids and families the chance to read a Dolly Parton Imagination Library book along a short trail while stretching their legs.
“Our Welcome Centers such as Belmont County’s I-70 westbound and Washington County’s I-77 northbound are a first impression chance to tell Ohio’s great story,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “We hope that all travelers enjoy our modernized rest areas, take a break so they can remain alert on the road, and make a plan to spend more time exploring Ohio, the Heart of it All!”
Governor DeWine and local community leaders officially cut the ribbon to celebrate the new Ohio Welcome Center on I-70 westbound in Belmont County near St. Clairsville this morning. It highlights nearby attractions such as the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, National Road & Zane Grey Museum, Schoenbrunn Village, Salt Fork State Park, and The Wilds. An original Ernest “Mooney” Warther hand-carved train is on display, on loan from the Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens. There is also a new rest area on I-70 eastbound in Belmont County.
In the afternoon, the Governor joined local community leaders in Washington County to cut the ribbon on the I-77 Ohio Welcome Center near Marietta. Visitors can learn more about places like downtown Marietta, The Lafayette Hotel, Harmar Bridge, Conus Mound, Peoples Bank Theatre, and Campus Martius. There is also a model of the Sunshine steamer owned by Captain J. Mack Gamble of Clarington, Ohio. The piece is on loan from the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.
“Modernizing our highway rest areas is about more than just convenience, it’s about safety, economic growth, and showcasing the best of our state,” said ODOT Director Pam Boratyn. “By providing cleaner, more accessible facilities with expanded truck parking, updated amenities, and features that highlight local attractions, we’re creating gateways that invite travelers to stop, explore, and support communities across the state.”
These rest areas feature universal changing stations in the family restroom, offering an adjustable table in a clean, safe, and private space to meet the personal care needs of individuals with disabilities and medical conditions. They also provide support to caregivers. Twenty-nine rest areas across Ohio will have a universal changing station by the end of 2026, increasing accessibility for all travelers.
Governor DeWine’s rest area plan includes 36 new rest areas and upgrades to more than 40 others by the end of 2026.
As rest area visitors are encouraged to explore communities around them, local economies are strengthened. In 2024, Ohio generated a record-setting $57 billion in visitor spending, which supported more than 443,000 jobs. Ohio received 242 million visits, which is 3.5 million more than 2023.
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