MDOT keeping most rest areas open year-round

As in most years, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will keep nearly all of the state’s 79 rest areas open this coming winter to maintain the convenience and safety they provide to motorists.

 Only five rest areas will be closed for the 19-week period beginning Dec. 2 and ending April 12, 2014. 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.

“Many look to our network of rest areas year-round for convenience and safety on their travels,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “For that reason, we keep as many open through winter as possible.”

            The following five rest areas will close December 2 and re-open 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, and will have the mileage to the next open rest area listed. Closed rest areas will be listed on MDOT’s Mi Drive construction and traffic information website at www.michigan.gov/drive.