Two Kansas Rest Areas Facing Closure

According to the Hays Daily News, the Kanas Department of Transportation plans to close the rest area facilities near Russell. The department is citing water consumption as the reason for the closure.

The rest areas are located on east and westbound Interstate 70 at mile marker 187.

The Hays Daily News said that KDOT is seeking public comment on the closure before making a final decision.

“The preliminary decision to close the rest area comes in the wake of a suggestion by the city of Russell for all water users — including the rest areas — to reduce water use by a fourth of its normal consumption,” the Hays Daily News reported.

Meanwhile, water use at the rest areas has increased from 800,000 gallons in 2011 to nearly 1.6 million gallons.

Comments wil be accepted until January 15.  comments can be submitted to Finley at (785) 877-3315 or by email to finley@ksdot.org or to KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer at (785) 625-9718 or kevinz@ksdot.org.