FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) plans to close the I-69 southbound Flat Creek rest park at mile marker 92 and both US 30 east and westbound Arcola rest areas at mile marker 123. The closures will occur in mid January.
Bob Alderman, Deputy Commissioner of the Fort Wayne District, said, "As a part of the strategic plan, some older, high maintenance rest parks throughout the state will be closed. The Flat Creek rest park is 30 plus years old; the two Arcola parks are much older. All require a great deal of maintenance due to their condition and age. Coupled with the opening of the new Pipe Creek rest areas on north and southbound I-69, these higher functioning facilities offer greater services. The proximity of the new rest park to the older parks is yet another reason for closure."
Alderman added, "By closing these rest parks, the savings to taxpayers will be approximately $200,000 for the remainder of this fiscal year and $500,000 each year thereafter. The unseen costs such as the sewage treatment costs, electricity, etc. are other cost factors that must be evaluated. Saving tax payers' dollars is extremely important during this time."
When Indiana's interstates were first constructed, state-operated rest areas provided services to long-distance travelers amid expanses of undeveloped land. Since that time, private companies have opened truck stops, gas stations and restaurants along the way that cater to today's motorists. INDOT regularly evaluates the state's 30 rest areas and six welcome centers based upon customer demand, maintenance costs and proximity to similar public or private facilities.
INDOT will set a specific date for the closure after crews post highway signage notifying motorists of the impending closure.
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