Today December 2, 2025, 03:30 PM
Today December 2, 2025, 03:30 PM
Q: Dave Rogers said he recently drove back to the Inland Empire from Oregon, driving south from San Jose along the 5 Freeway and through the Grapevine. Rogers said he counted six rest areas closed along the route and asked why so many are closed.
A: California has over 80 rest areas along its freeways. Several are closed off and on for maintenance or repairs to infrastructure like water lines and restrooms. This can be frustrating to travelers seeking a break from the road.
According to Caltrans, most of California’s rest areas were built in the 1960s or 1970s. Millions of users visit them annually, and the aging rest area system has struggled for years to have adequate maintenance funding as well as for upgrades to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
