MDOT keeps most rest areas open through winter

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will keep open 76 of the state's 81 rest areas this coming winter to maintain the convenience and safety they provide to motorists. Only five rest areas will be closed for the 17-week period beginning Dec. 5, 2011, and ending April 2, 2012. These closures are due to reduced use during winter months and safety concerns. ''Motorists and tourists depend on our state's rest areas, an important safety and convenience feature of our state highway system,'' said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. ''For that reason, we're committed to keeping them open throughout winter whenever possible.'' The following five rest areas will reopen in April: * St. Ignace Rest Area on southbound I-75 in Mackinac County * Ludington Rest Area on northbound US-31 in Mason County * Topinabee Rest Area on northbound I-75 in Cheboygan County * Hebron Rest Area on southbound I-75 in Cheboygan County * Hart Rest Area on southbound US-31 in Oceana County Designated rest areas will have ''Closed Until Spring'' signs posted, including the mileage to the next open rest area listed. MDOT reminds drivers: Snowplows need room to groom. Copyright © 2011 State of Michigan Published: Mon, Dec 12, 2011