Aging infrastructure, water issues keep some rest areas closed along California freeways

Q: Ben Nunnally of Riverside asked for more details about why so many of California’s freeway rest areas are closed. He felt our recent column that discussed rest stops closures didn’t provide enough from Caltrans.

“The rest stop issue has been talked about, written about for years, with not much change,” he said. Nunnally also asked for contact information for state representatives within the rest areas’ districts so readers could contact them and get their elected officials involved.

A: As we reported previously, California has 88 freeway rest areas and several are closed for maintenance or repairs to infrastructure like water lines and restrooms. The closed rest areas are throughout the state. Since this is a statewide issue, readers who wish to take their complaints to the Legislature could contact Gov. Gavin Newsom: gov.ca.gov.

We reached out again to Caltrans District 8, which covers Riverside and San Bernardino counties, for more information on the rest areas.

RELATED: Why are so many rest areas closed along California freeways?

“Our district has many rest areas closed due to repairs/construction. These have been in the works for many years and they were finally ready to get their makeover,” District 8 spokesperson Emily Leinen said.

“In our area, many of our rest areas are on a well water system – and well, being in a dry desert, that water does disappear after some time. This causes plumbing issues, among other things.”

Many of the more rural rest areas “receive a lot of vandalism,” she said, so they shut down due to emergency cleaning and fixing. “I am not sure why the rest areas are closed beyond our district, but I am just giving background as they could be closed for many different reasons, construction, emergency repairs, cleaning.”

Eric Dionne, another Caltrans District 8 spokesperson, highlighted some specific issues that affect closures:

• Aging infrastructure: Most of the facilities were built in the 1960s and 1970s and require significant overhauls to meet modern safety standards.

• ADA compliance: Upgrades are needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Logistical challenges: “Most are in remote locations, which presents difficulty getting crews and materials quickly. There are also environmental noise ordinances that must be adhered to, restricting nighttime work in many places,” Dionne said.

• Water tests: “Being in remote areas, water quality is a challenge. Facilities are closed if they fail frequent tests for public health,” he said.

“Travelers often may find rest stops closed all over the state for what seem like simple repairs, but are complex, multi-faceted projects involving utility replacement, ADA compliance, and various infrastructure upgrades,” Dionne said.

Currently in the Inland Empire, the John Wilke Rest Area off Highway 40 near Needles is closed and will reopen in spring. This rest area is currently being rebuilt and upgraded with new buildings and pavement .

The Valley Wells Rest Area off the 15 Freeway in San Bernardino County, near the Nevada state line, is also closed and being renovated.

The $12.3 million project started July 21, 2025, and is expected to be completed by fall 2026. The improvements will include new water systems and updated restroom facilities, with new water and wastewater treatment systems that will support future capacity needs, according to a recent Caltrans commuter alert communication.

Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call 951-368-9995. Note that we may use material from letters or phone calls in future columns.