Virginia DOT proposal to close rest areas irks trucking industry

Mar 23, 2009

A proposal from the Virginia Department of Transportation to close 25 of the state's 41 interstate highway rest areas has some in the trucking industry claiming the move would pose a safety risk to motorists.

VDOT released a report (.pdf file) in February of proposed budgetary reduction areas, which includes a reduction to safety service patrols and closing 25 rest areas. VDOT documents (.pdf file) show the rest area closures were selected primarily for their proximity to commercial areas, urban fringe areas or urban areas with limited capacity for truck parking.

Members of the Arlington, VA-based American Trucking Associations are opposed to the closings. ATA CEO Bill Graves sent a letter (.pdf file) on March 13 to Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) stating the rest areas are important for the safety of both average motorists and professional truck drivers. Rest areas play a "critical role" in preventing driver fatigue and providing accommodations for motorists' personal needs while on the road, Graves wrote.