Rest Stops to Re-open
As promised, VDOT has reopened four of the 19 rest stops closed during the Kaine administration, and says 15 more will be back in service by April 15th.
With a multibillion-dollar state budget deficit, reopening the rest stops at a cost of $3 million this fiscal year is a direct response to public pressure and a promise from the new governor.
Caldwell: In response to a request from Gov. McDonnell we have re-opened four interstate 81 rest areas.
VDOT’S Jeff Caldwell says eight additional rest areas will open by March 17, the remaining seven by April 15th. The $3 million this fiscal year comes from the emergency maintenance budget, but Caldwell says snow and subsequent potholes are safety issues.
Caldwell: Money is not a consideration for safety and those potholes that are in the travel lanes and causing folks to slow down or change their travel pattern are a safety issue for us and they will be addressed as quickly as possible.
Long-term funding for the rest areas will be identified as VDOT revises its maintenance budget this spring.
Charles Fishburne, WCVE News
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