Motorists are reminded to obey the lower speed limits on Interstate 70, especially in areas of lane crossovers such as this one near Elm Grove. Ohio County Sheriff’s deputies are busy issuing tickets and warnings for speeding offenses.

WHEELING — Ohio County Sheriff’s deputies have clocked motorists driving 70, 80 and even more than 100 miles per hour on Interstate 70.

And all those speeds have been recorded in the 45 mph speed limit zone on I-70. While signage — or lack thereof — may be confusing to some, the 45 mph area includes I-70 from the Washington Avenue exit just east of the Wheeling Tunnels to the Dallas Pike exit, said Sheriff Tom Howard.

The same 45 mph speed limit is in place on the same section of I-70 westbound, with the exception of the areas of lane crossovers, where the speed limit drops to 35 mph. Howard said the West Virginia Division of Highways implemented the 45 mph speed zones due to safety concerns along the heavily traveled construction areas of the highway.

Howard said his deputies have had their hands full trying to keep speeding at a minimum on I-70 where construction is occurring. Deputies have stopped scores of motorists in recent weeks, issuing warnings and in severe cases, speeding tickets.

“My deputies have given a lot of warnings, especially to the locals, when the speeds have been reasonable, but if they are way above what it would have been at 65, they get a ticket. We’ve had some rather ridiculous speeding. One guy was going 105 miles per hour,” Howard said.

Much of the speeding is occurring on or near the Two Mile Hill area, a heavily traveled section of highway between Elm Grove and The Highlands. Howard reminds motorists to maintain the 45 mph speed limit there at all times.

Howard has requested more signage from the state to remind motorists of the various speed limits on I-70.

“We don’t like issuing tickets, but it’s for everybody’s safety that they slow down, especially on Two Mile Hill,” the sheriff added.

Howard said since the state repaved a portion of Two Mile Hill where many accidents had been occurring, there have not been any major crashes.

“We’ve been lucky with the new pavement the state put in there. There have been no accidents there over the past two months. People tell me they can feel the extra traction. I just hope it holds up over the winter,” Howard said.

Howard also noted that Tunnel Ridge mine work will begin again in May under I-70, just beyond Dallas Pike. Traffic will be reduced to one lane as it has in the past for such work under the interstate. The speed limit will be adjusted as well at that time.