Most rest areas to stay open year-round

December 3, 2012 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will keep open nearly all of the state’s 81 rest areas this coming winter to maintain the convenience and safety they provide to motorists.

Only five rest areas will be closed for the 17-week period beginning today and ending April 1, 2013. These closures are due to reduced use during winter months and safety concerns, such as steep entrance and exit drives and potentially slippery conditions on stairways between the parking lots and the buildings.

“Motorists, commercial drivers and tourists all rely on our network of rest areas year-round for the convenience and safety they provide,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “That’s why we keep as many of them open throughout the winter as possible.”

The following five rest areas will reopen in April:

– St. Ignace Rest Area on southbound I-75 in Mackinac County

– Ludington Rest Area on northbound US-31 in Mason County

– Topinabee Rest Area on northbound I-75 in Cheboygan County

– Hebron Rest Area on southbound I-75 in Cheboygan County

– Hart Rest Area on southbound US-31 in Oceana County

Designated rest areas will have “Closed Until Spring” signs posted, including the mileage to the next open rest area listed.