VDOT encourages travelers to take advantage of rest areas

Travelers heading across Virginia this summer are being reminded that the Commonwealth’s safety rest areas offer more than just a quick stop along the highway.

The Virginia Department of Transportation maintains 43 safety rest areas across the state, including five truck-only rest areas and 11 rest areas with welcome centers. The facilities are located along Interstates 64, 66, 77, 81, 85 and 95, as well as Route 13.

VDOT says more than 36 million people visit Virginia safety rest areas each year. The facilities are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, giving travelers a place to use restrooms, take a break, walk pets, dispose of trash, get a snack and return to the road.

“Safety rest areas are more than just a place to pull over to use the restroom or eat a snack,” said Allen Campbell, state program director for Virginia Safety Rest Areas. “For people making long drives and becoming drowsy, rest areas provide a location to pull over and take a break to encourage safer travel to their destination.”

Rest areas include amenities such as accessible restrooms, family restrooms, baby-changing stations, drinking water, trash receptacles, travel brochures, pet areas, vending machines, picnic tables and grills.

The facilities are especially helpful for recreational vehicle owners and other travelers who may not be able to easily access commercial areas for a short stop.

This year, travelers will also notice a patriotic touch at Virginia’s welcome centers. The LOVE letters at welcome centers across the Commonwealth are decorated in red, white and blue in recognition of the 250th celebration of America.

VDOT says travelers can also take time to learn more about Virginia’s history while visiting rest areas and welcome centers. Some locations include highway markers documenting important people, places and events. Welcome centers, operated by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, also feature exhibits about regional history and culture.

Visitors can also pick up a Virginia 250 Passport, which highlights historic sites across the Commonwealth and offers discounts at some locations as part of the nation’s anniversary celebration.

VDOT encourages visitors to look for “Rate Your Experience” signs at rest areas and complete the online survey. The agency says the feedback helps monitor conditions and improve the traveler experience.

Travelers can find rest area locations and available amenities by visiting VDOT’s website or 511.vdot.virginia.gov.