Governor Ned Lamont announced Friday that all seven of the state-operated highway rest stops will be open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning Monday.
Staffing at the facilities was reduced back in 2016 as an effort to save money, Lamont said. The stops were limited to a one-shift, daytime operation. Although the outside areas remained open, the bathrooms were closed, leaving drivers to use outdoor portable restrooms.
After the announcement, truckers and motorists alike were excited about the rest stops returning to 24 hour service, including motorcyclist Adam Martel.
“Keeping the rest stop area open for 24 hours is great for drivers," he said. "I ride my motorcycle back and forth between Boston and New York, and sometimes it’s after the place is closed,” said Martel. “Keeping them open is just a way to keep everybody safe. I feel safer obviously when people are rested and I’m looking forward to being able to stop later at night.”
Funding for the 24/7 service was included in the budget the governor signed into law on June 26.