November 27, 2006 - - With motorists' safety and convenience in mind, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will keep 73 of the state's 81 rest areas open during the upcoming winter months.
Only eight rest areas will be closed from Dec. 1 through April 2, 2007 -- a 17-week period -- as a cost-saving measure due either to reduced use or safety concerns. All rest areas will remain open until the conclusion of the firearm deer season, which ends Nov. 30.
"Travel doesn't stop in Michigan when the snow starts to fly, and MDOT is committed to providing year-round convenience to motorists," said MDOT Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Rest areas are an important part of the comprehensive transportation system that MDOT maintains."
Five rest areas will reopen in April: St. Ignace Rest Area on I-75 southbound in Mackinac County, Ludington Rest Area on US-31 northbound in Mason County, Topinabee Rest Area on I-75 northbound in Cheboygan County, Hebron Rest Area on I-75 southbound in Cheboygan County, and Hart Rest Area on US-31 southbound in Oceana County.
Due to construction, three rest areas are expected to remain closed until June 1, 2007: Marshall Rest Area on I-94 westbound in Calhoun County, Adair Rest Area on I-94 eastbound in St. Clair County, and Belleville Rest Area on I-94 westbound in Wayne County.
Designated rest areas will have "Closed until Spring" signs posted, including the mileage to the next open rest area listed.
Maintenance of these rest areas throughout the winter continues a commitment by MDOT and the Granholm administration to create jobs, improve quality of life and provide the highest quality integrated transportation services for Michigan residents and businesses.
Keep Michigan families safe this winter season: Don't Crowd the Plow!
|
Printer Friendly
Text Version 
Email Page