Drivers Question Proposed VDOT Cuts
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Updated: 1:58 PM Mar 13, 2009
Drivers Question Proposed VDOT Cuts
Verona, Va.
The Virginia Department of Transportation is trying to close a $2.6-billion budget shortfall, but some drivers are calling the proposed cost-cutting measures dangerous.
Posted: 4:42 PM Mar 12, 2009
Reporter: Michael Hyland
Email Address: mhyland@whsv.com
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Many of the rest areas along Interstate 81 could be closing under a proposal presented to the Commonwealth Transportation Board in February.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is facing a $2.6-billion budget shortfall.

So it's trying to cut costs, but some drivers and legislators are angry about this proposal. Now, they're getting a chance to share their frustration with VDOT. The department is holding a public meeting in Verona Thursday night at 6 p.m.

Some drivers say some of the proposed cuts are simply dangerous. The rest area near mile marker 232 is one of the 25 that would close, and some drivers say VDOT's effort to save money is putting people at risk.

"You got to go, you got to go," says driver Rodney Gibson.

However, you may not be able to go at the rest area anymore.

Maryann Puglisi frequently drives from Washington, D.C. to Natural Bridge. Trips down I-81 are a common thing for her.

"If safety is an issue out on the highway, which it is, I don't like the idea that I'm going to be driving on the road with a bunch of really tired people," says Puglisi.

VDOT even has the word safety written on the plaque where they ask for driver's comments.

The department says closing the rest areas would save $12 million annually. The only ones that would stay open on I-81 would be the welcome centers at the northern and southern state lines.

"This place should be bigger," says Gibson, who drives back and forth from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.

The rest area in northern Augusta County is a usual stop for him.

"Where [are] you going to put the people, the cars and stuff? We need an appropriation for this," says Gibson.

Drivers may not have just themselves and other people to think about when they need to stop. Some of them also have pets that travel with them.

Ted Hansen is driving to Atlanta with his dog, Desiree. If the rest area closes, they may look for a different route to Atlanta that bypasses the Valley.

"And, I would suppose some of the merchants along this route might want to think a little bit about that kind of thing as well. Because in a half hour we're going to stop and get lunch. If we're not doing that, well...," comments Hansen.

Latest Comments

Posted by: sam Location: bridgewater on Mar 13, 2009 at 05:56 AM

Closeing the rest areas is not the answer. Where are the truckers suppose to sleep. Would you rather they keep driving and fall asleep and kill people. If the budget needs cutting maybe you need to start at the top. I'm sure the top officals that are trying to close the rest areas could take a cut on their pay checks .
Posted by: harry Location: verona on Mar 12, 2009 at 08:59 PM

IVE WORKED FOR THE DTH CONTRACTING SERVICES IN THE PASSED AND IT RELLY WOULD BE A SHAME TOO CLOSE THE REST AREAS ALONG I-81 AND 64 LOOK HOW MANY ACIDENTS IN THE PASSED FEW MONTHS INVOLING BIG TRUCKS ON OUR HIGHWAYS I KNOW THE MEN AND WEMEN WHO WORK AT THE MT SYDNEY REST AREA AND THEY DONT MAKE A LOT OF MONEY DOING WHAT THEY DO TOO MAKE A LIVING ITS HARD WORK WITH NO BENIFITS V-DOT NEEDS TOO LOOK AT OTHER OPTIONS BEFOR CLOSING THE REST AREAS I DONT THINK I WOULD WANT THE RESPONSIBLITY ON MY SHOLDERS KNOWING THAT I HELPED CLOSE THEM AND SOME ONE LOST A LOVED ONE BECUSE OF IT
Posted by: Frank Location: Harrisonburg on Mar 12, 2009 at 08:17 PM

I am a diabetic and stop at EVERY rest area. DO NOT TELL ME TO PULL OFF 81 and use service station rest rooms, most have none, and others are so filthy I wouldn't send a cockroach in. You close them, I use the side of the road!!!!! Talk about stupidity! How many diabetes do you figure run 81 to go to Martinsburg VA Hosp for treatment in a year? month? day? And I'm only talking about the people that LIVE in Virginia. How many tourist will say the hell with Virginia if there are no rest areas? And, is VDOT going to console the family's of people hurt/killed because of way over tired truck drivers? I think not. TIME FOR NEW MANAGEMENT IN VDOT!!!
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