High on the list of issues confronting Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell is fixing Virginia's transportation issues.

McDonnell pledged to reopen Virginia's closed rest areas within 90 days of taking office.

The closed rest areas in Rockingham and Augusta counties are three of the 19 closed across Virginia.

Republicans swept the races for statewide office Tuesday. Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling says he and McDonnell still plan to reopen the rest areas.

"It was a bad decision to close the rest stops to begin with. It was a short-sighted decision," says Bolling.

Officials with the Virginia Department of Transportation were trying to close a $2.6-billion budget shortfall when Commissioner David Ekern outlined plans to address the funding issues earlier this year. At the time, Ekern estimated closing the rest areas would save $9 million annually.

"I think it actually gave Virginia a very big black eye when compared with other states along the I-95 and I-81 corridors," says Bolling.

Critics cite issues with increased truck traffic on Interstate 81 and the need for places drivers can use on road trips.

One critic of the move is Del. Matt Lohr (R-26th), who won re-election Tuesday night.

"We've said all along one of the ideas. It's very simple: getting businesses who will adopt a rest area, pay to keep the rest area open in exchange for advertising," says Lohr.

The General Assembly has long been deadlocked on how to fix Virginia's transportation issues. However, Republicans think reopening the rest areas can be a sign of progress.

"I told Bob McDonnell that if he's the governor-elect, or the governor at the time, I'll let him cut the first ribbon. But, I want to cut the other 18. We want to get all 19 of these rest stops reopened," says Bolling.

McDonnell takes office in mid-January. That means he has until mid-April to fulfill his campaign pledge to reopen the rest areas.