Two I95 rest areas closing (Augusta, Kennebunk: how much, cost of, transportation) - Maine (ME) - City-Data Forum

Submariner · 06-17-2009, 09:16 AM

Maine to close 2 rest areas on I-95 in Pittsfield - Boston.com (http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2009/06/16/maine_to_close_2_rest_areas_on_i_95_in_pittsfield/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Maine+news - broken link)

The Maine Department of Transportation is closing two rest areas along Interstate 95 in Pittsfield as part of a cost-cutting plan that's projected to save more than $690,000 over two years.

The cuts include privatizing custodial services at those locations, which include Kittery, Yarmouth, Hampden, Medway and Houlton.

The change will eliminate 19 state jobs.

The MDOT said it will continue to operate more than 50 rest areas across the state at an annual cost of about $2 million.

50 rest areas cost $2million to operate, which is like $40k each per year. But these two rest areas cost $172k each per year?

How is that possible?

Maineah · 06-17-2009, 10:08 AM

The one in Yarmouth is actually on Route One and is a welcome center not a rest area as such. They are also opening another service area south of Gardiner on 295. Hey, 30 years ago Maine's rest areas consisted of two two holers, and a hand water pump at all of them! You had to get off the highway for gas and food. Maybe that wasn't such a bad idea. They have also closed rest areas for other reasons we can't discuss here. Think of holes drilled in the stalls and walls and you'll get the picture. Any time State jobs are eliminated it's a good thing.

fxtrader · 06-17-2009, 10:37 AM

They already closed the one just north of Augusta a few years back. There was one just north of Old Town, before the Alton Bogs that they closed back in the 90's. It's no problem in the southern part of the state to pull off and find a place to go, but up north it can be really difficult. That's why we travel with TP. They opened huge facilities south of Augusta and in Kennebunkport recently. I wander how much it cost to run them.

Submariner · 06-17-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fxtrader

They already closed the one just north of Augusta a few years back. There was one just north of Old Town, before the Alton Bogs that they closed back in the 90's. It's no problem in the southern part of the state to pull off and find a place to go, but up north it can be really difficult. That's why we travel with TP. They opened huge facilities south of Augusta and in Kennebunkport recently. I wander how much it cost to run them.

The rest area in Alton has been opened during the summer for the past couple years. They have been closing it during the winter.

This past winter they closed it with the first snow fall. As of last night it is still closed.

Maineah · 06-17-2009, 11:48 AM

Carry TP and a quart mason jar and you're all set. Ladies you will have to lower your standards somewhat. Men teach your kids the fine are of wilderness relief.

msina · 06-17-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maineah

Carry TP and a quart mason jar and you're all set. Ladies you will have to lower your standards somewhat. Men teach your kids the fine are of wilderness relief.

NMLM has a great book on the subject,............ "How To Shi- In The Woods".

My DH cracked up when he showed it to him.

dmyankee · 06-17-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maineah

The one in Yarmouth is actually on Route One and is a welcome center not a rest area as such. They are also opening another service area south of Gardiner on 295. Hey, 30 years ago Maine's rest areas consisted of two two holers, and a hand water pump at all of them! You had to get off the highway for gas and food. Maybe that wasn't such a bad idea. They have also closed rest areas for other reasons we can't discuss here. Think of holes drilled in the stalls and walls and you'll get the picture. Any time State jobs are eliminated it's a good thing.

That's why we always called 'em "Pickle Palaces."

moughie · 06-17-2009, 04:58 PM

The woods work great for me...
When you gotta go, you gotta go!

mensaguy · 06-18-2009, 06:20 AM

The one at Exit 17 on 295 is unusual in that you have to get off the interstate to use it, but it is certainly a rest area in that there is room to stop and use one of their picnic tables for a lunch break. The location is good too if you happen to need anything from Delorme. I've stopped there several times and am certainly glad it is there.