Rest Stop Changes - KAUZ-TV: Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

Changes are happening to several rest stops across Texoma and all the changes will save TXDOT money.
  
TXDOT officials said 29 rest stops will either be closing or getting downgraded, but even though the rest stops will be down graded they will still be open to the public.
  
The need for rest stops areas across Texoma has decreased. Officials said the changes will save nearly $200,000 a year, and the money saved will go back towards maintenance.

The rest stops on the list will no longer house picnic areas and restroom, but will still be open for pull-in areas.

Adele Lewis, P.I.O. With TXDOT, said, "Drivers can rest, eat and sleep, and get back on the road."

Lewis added, "We know that even sleepy motorist will cause as many wrecks as a drunk driver, so these type of parking areas will keep our roads safe."

Officials said the rest areas had a lot of criminal activity going on with vandalism, prostitution and drugs.

Lewis said in the works is a super sub-station, 8 miles south of Bowie. It will offer 24 hour service, a tornado shelter, a DPS office,  playgrounds and vending machines.

TXDOT said the rest stop sub-station will cost around $14,000,000. There are no plans as of yet to start building the facility, due to lack of funding from TXDOT headquarters.

Natalie Garcia,   Newschannel 6