I-77 travelers say rest stop would be missed
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The rest area just north of mile marker 3 on Interstate 77 was bustling with travelers and truck drivers this week even as notices of a proposed closure greeted them at the door.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on closing the 32-year-old rest stop through March 31. They cite the annual cost of $257,674 to operate the location, needed repairs and proximity to gas stations and food service establishments as reasons to consider a permanent closure. The idea isn't sitting well with everyone.
"I'd really like to see them keep it open. There aren't enough rest stops in Ohio as it is," offered Scott Young, a truck driver with E.J. Stutzman who was hauling plastic pipes from Prichard, W.Va. to the company's home base in Sugarcreek.
"It's safer for other traffic for truckers to just be able to pull off the highway like this, rather than to try to pull into a truck stop or restaurant," he said.
ODOT said in a press release that a recent assessment has determined there are adequate facilities to accommodate travelers on the I-77 corridor between the West Virginia Welcome Center in Williamstown and the Guernsey County rest area, 36 miles from the Washington County rest area. They cite establishments located at Exit 1 at Marietta, Exit 6 at Lower Salem, Exit 16 at Macksburg, Exit 25 at Caldwell, Exit 28 at Belle Valley and Exit 37 at Buffalo.
Marietta City Council member Kathy Downer said while she understands the closure might encourage drivers to come into town, she also has concerns about closing the rest area.
"People with pets like rest stops. People can picnic, switch drivers, often there are maps on the walls. Truck drivers take breaks for safety reasons. Not all of this can be done in the Kroger parking lot," she said.
Keith Duncan and his companion Janet Eish were stopping off on Valentine's Day between her home in Rock Hills, S.C. and his in East Liverpool.
"This is our Valentine's date. I went down to South Carolina to pick her up," Duncan said.
It makes the 42nd trip for the pair who stay in their various locales because of family ties but don't think anything of driving eight hours or more to get together.
"We've only stopped in Marietta a couple times but we use this rest stop quite a bit. It's always so clean," said Eish.
ODOT contracts with WASCO to provide workers to maintain the rest area, which consists of restrooms, tourism brochures and a separate vending machine area.
Rodney Barlow has been working at the rest area since April 1989. He coordinates the WASCO workers and said they are disappointed that the location might close.
"I would go over to work at the area in Coolville, but a lot of these workers would have to find someplace else to work. They don't like it at all," he said.
Barlow said there are nine regular employees and some others who fill in.
The proposed closure date is April 2. Comments should be directed to D10.PIO@dot.ohio.gov or 740-568-3904.
About the I-77 rest area
¯ Opened in 1986.
¯ Located at mile marker 3.6, between Marietta and the Lower Salem exit.
¯ Owned by Ohio Department of Transportation. Maintained by contract workers with WASCO.
¯ Annual operating cost is $257,674.
¯ Has restrooms, vending machines and tourist information, as well as pet areas and parking for cars and semi-trucks.
¯ Public comment period runs through March 31. Proposed closure date is April 2.
¯ Contact: D10PIO@dot.ohio.gov or call 740-568-3904.