VDOT begins warnings of interstate rest stop closures

The Virginia Department of Transportation has begun putting up electronic message signs today warning motorists that 18 Interstate rest areas will close July 21.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board is cutting the number of Interstate highway rest areas that VDOT operates from 42 to 23 because of the $2.6-billion revenue shortfall it is grappling with.

Electronic message signs notifying visitors that the facilities will close on July 21 are being posted at each location beginning today. VDOT has also updated its Web site and 511 traveler information system to reflect the closures.

To help truckers, VDOT plans to add 225 truck parking spaces at the remaining 23 rest areas and welcome centers on July 21.

The 18 rest areas slated to close July 21 are:

—I-64 East, Goochland

—I-64 West, Goochland

—I-85 North, Dinwiddie

—I-85 South Dinwiddie

—I-95 North, Ladysmith

—I-95 South, Ladysmith

—I-85 North, Alberta

—I-85 South, Alberta

—I-81 North, Rural Retreat

—I-81 South, Smyth

—I-81 North, Radford

—I-81 South, Troutville

—I-81 North, Mt. Sidney

—I-81 South, Mt. Sidney

—I-81 South, New Market

—I-95 North, Dale City (closed for cars)

—I-95 South, Dale City (closed for cars)

—I-66 East, Manassas

VDOT will keep the I-66 West Manassas Welcome Center open through the busy summer travel season, the state highway agency said, because it was the only welcome center being closed.

However, VDOT will close the I-66 Welcome Center Sept. 16, after the summer travel season. ¶