The Virginia Department of Transportation won’t save quite as much money this year by closing interstate rest areas as it intended. VDOT decided to keep some interstate public stops open past the start of the state’s fiscal year on July 1 to avoid some adverse impacts on summer tourism. “We didn’t want confusion for holiday traffic,“ state Transportation Department spokesman Jeff Caldwell said yesterday.

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

The Virginia Department of Transportation’s proposal to shut 25 of its 41 highway rest stops has generated as much controversy as any issue related to the state’s budget cuts. Although VDOT contends the closures would free up dollars for use on actual transportation projects, critics fear the savings would not justify the inconvenience. Indeed, many say the stops are not only convenient but necessary.

Virginia highway officials are set to hear from the public on proposals to close rest areas and other cost-cutting measures.