General Information
What does the Belmont County Engineer’s Office do?
The Belmont County Engineer’s Office is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and improvement of the county road and bridge system. The office also provides engineering, surveying, tax map, and drainage services while working to ensure safe and efficient transportation throughout Belmont County.
What roads does the County Engineer maintain?
The Belmont County Engineer maintains county roads and bridges. Township roads are maintained by the individual township trustees, and state routes are maintained by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
How do I determine who maintains a road?
If you are unsure whether a road is maintained by the county, township, municipality, or ODOT, contact our office. Staff can identify the responsible agency and direct you to the appropriate office if necessary. County roads can be identified on our GIS website at Belmont County, Ohio . (Click the hyperlink) https://gis.belcogis.com
Roads and Bridges
How do I report a pothole or road hazard?
Please contact the Belmont County Engineer’s Office by phone during normal business hours. Be prepared to provide the road name, nearest address or intersection, and a description of the problem.
How quickly are potholes repaired?
Potholes are repaired as soon as practical based on weather conditions, staffing, and the severity of the damage. Safety-related issues receive the highest priority.
Who is responsible for snow and ice removal?
The Belmont County Engineer’s Office is responsible for snow and ice removal on county roads. Township roads are maintained by township road departments, and state routes are maintained by ODOT.
Can I request a new stop sign or speed limit change?
Yes. Requests are reviewed according to the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD), engineering studies, and applicable state standards. Not every request will meet the criteria for installation or modification.
Who is responsible for trimming trees along county roads?
Property owners are generally responsible for trees located on their property. However, the County Engineer may trim or remove vegetation within the public right-of-way when it creates a safety hazard.
Driveways and Culverts
Do I need a permit to install a new driveway?
Yes. A driveway permit is generally required before constructing or modifying a driveway that connects to a county road.
Who is responsible for driveway culverts?
Property owners are generally responsible for the installation and maintenance of driveway culverts unless otherwise specified by county policy or permit conditions.
Can I change the location of my driveway?
Yes, but a permit and review are typically required to ensure the proposed location meets safety and drainage requirements.
Drainage
Who is responsible for roadside ditches?
Roadside ditches located within the county road right-of-way are generally maintained by the Belmont County Engineer’s Office when they affect the county roadway drainage system.
Who is responsible for drainage on private property?
Property owners are responsible for drainage issues located entirely on private property unless another governmental agency has jurisdiction.
Will the County Engineer install drainage tile on private property?
No. The County Engineer’s Office does not perform improvements on private property except where authorized by law or as part of a public improvement project.
Bridges
How often are county bridges inspected?
County bridges are inspected on a regular schedule in accordance with federal and state requirements to ensure they remain safe for public travel.
Why are bridges sometimes posted with weight limits?
Weight limits are established following engineering inspections to protect the bridge structure and ensure public safety.
Surveying and Tax Maps
Can the County Engineer locate my property corners?
No. Property owners should hire a licensed professional surveyor to locate property lines or monuments.
Can I obtain tax maps from your office?
Yes. Tax maps and certain mapping information are available through the Engineer’s Office. Some records may also be available online.
Does the Engineer’s Office settle property line disputes?
No. Property boundary disputes are civil matters between property owners and should be addressed by a licensed surveyor or legal counsel.
Construction Projects
Why is my road closed?
Road closures may occur for bridge replacements, road repairs, utility work, emergency maintenance, or construction projects. Whenever possible, advance notice and detour information are provided.
Where can I find information about current projects?
Project updates are available through the Belmont County Engineer’s Office website, social media pages, or by contacting the office directly.
Utilities and Right-of-Way
Can I place landscaping, fences, or decorations within the road right-of-way?
Generally, no. Items placed within the public right-of-way may create safety hazards and could be removed if they interfere with maintenance or public travel.
Who should I call before digging?
Always contact Ohio Utilities Protection Service (Call 811) at least 48 hours before digging to have underground utilities located.
Employment
How can I apply for employment?
Employment opportunities are posted on Indeed and through the Belmont County Engineer’s Office when positions become available.
Contact Information
Belmont County Engineer’s Office
101 West Main Street
St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950
Phone: (740) 699-2160
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.