WYDOT to close Upton rest area

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
The Wyoming Department of Transportation plans to cut expenses by closing 10 rest areas in the state, according to a press release dated June 4, saving approximately $789,812 a year. Several of these rest areas are in the northeast corner of the state and Weston County’s only rest area in Upton is slated for closure on June 15. 
According to the release, the list of rest areas that will be closed includes Lusk on U.S. 18, Guernsey on U.S. 26, Greybull on U.S. 14-16-20, Moorcroft on Interstate 90, Star Valley on U.S. 89, Ft. Steele on Interstate 80, Sundance on Interstate 90, Upton on U.S. 16, and Orin Junction and Chugwater, both located on Interstate 25.
“We took a hard look at all of our rest areas and came up with a list of those that we feel we can close with a minimal amount of impact to our travelers,” WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner said in the release. “It was a hard decision but one that we came to based on the needs of the public and to ensure we maintain a balanced budget.”
According to  Laura Dalles, a public involvement specialist, the Upton rest area is one of the least-used facilities in the state, as well as one of the most affordable. 
The average operating annual cost is $33,265.24 and that includes janitorial services, materials and maintenance. By the end of the fiscal year, Sept. 30, 2020, Dalles said, the Upton rest area closure will have saved $8,316.30. Expenses vary by facility. 
When determining which rest areas to close, Dalles said that the department looked closely at the location and usage. 
“Although these facilities will close, motorists will still have access to facilities in neighboring communities,” Reiner said in the release. “Each of the rest areas that are closing are within a reasonable distance of a town that has facilities for the public.” 
When speaking about the cuts, Gov. Mark Gordon said that the plan was developed to reduce spending as state revenue continues to decline. The Wyoming Transportation Commission approved the closures during a special meeting prior to the governor’s June 4 announcement. 
“This is a painful reality but a necessary step given our state’s financial situation,”  Gordon said during a press conference. “This will have real impacts, not only for travelers, but for the custodial staff contracted to provide services to these facilities. These workers are our friends and neighbors in Wyoming communities around the state.”
According to Dalles, the rest areas will be deep cleaned and secured before the properties are barricaded and closed. She said that this will allow for the facilities to be reopened if/when the financial situation changes. 
“WYDOT does hope to open them back up; I don’t think this is long term,” Dalles said. “We want to open them back up to the public at some point, that is the hope. Just like any other department that is going to make cuts, hopefully they will be able to bring those things back.”