Permanent closure planned for both Indiana I-74 rest areas in late January

INDOT will set a specific date for the closure after crews post highway signage notifying motorists of the impending closures.

The Trucker News Services

12/15/2008

WAYNETOWN, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) plans to close the I-74 eastbound and westbound Waynetown rest areas at mile marker 24 in late January as part of a strategic plan for similar facilities around the state. 

“Plans for rest areas, as with all INDOT projects are made according to budget and time, and are designed to meet the needs of the motoring public,” said INDOT Crawfordsville District Deputy Commissioner Alan Plunkett.  “INDOT aims to maintain a high level of service to motorists while making smart choices about taxpayer money.”

When Indiana’s interstates were first constructed, state-operated rest areas provided services to long-distance travelers amid expanses of undeveloped land.  Since that time, private companies have opened truck stops, gas stations and restaurants along the way that cater to today’s motorists.  INDOT regularly evaluates the state’s 30 rest areas and six welcome centers based upon customer demand, maintenance costs and proximity to similar public or private facilities.

INDOT will set a specific date for the closure after crews post highway signage notifying motorists of the impending closures.  INDOT anticipates an annual savings to taxpayers of $370,000.00.

Lyndon Finney of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at editor@thetrucker.com.