Arizona rest areas closed for more than a decade have reopened for truckers-only

Transportation officials in Arizona have reopened two long-shuttered rest areas to offer more resources to truckers during the COVID-19 crisis.

On April 3, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that they would temporarily reopen the Parks Rest Area along I-40 at mile marker 182 (west of Flagstaff) along with the Christensen Rest Area on I-17 at mile marker 324 (south of Flagstaff).

The two rest area locations will offer parking, hand washing stations, and portable restrooms for commercial vehicle drivers only. Staff will be present at the two reopened rest areas for a few hours each day.

ADOT says that the Christensen Rest Area closed in 2002, while the Parks Rest Area closed in 2009. There is no plan to permanently reopen these rest areas.

“Long-haul truckers are working tirelessly to support our nation during this difficult time, and we will do all we can to support them,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Opening these temporary rest stops provides a place for drivers to get the rest they need as they help all of us.” 

The rest of ADOT’s rest area locations remain open to the public. Workers are increasing sanitization at these locations.