Additional Hwy. Safety Rest Areas, March 3

On March 1, 2014, Oregon Travel Experience (OTE) added nine highway safety rest areas to its roster under an amended inter-agency agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  In addition to the 20 public rest areas currently managed by OTE, the agency has stationed employees at the following locations:  * Interstate 5, Milepost 22, south of Medford: Suncrest rest area (southbound only); * Interstate 5, Milepost 148, north of Roseburg: Cabin Creek rest area (north and southbound); * Interstate 5, Milepost 178, south of Springfield: Gettings Creek rest area (north and southbound); * Interstate 5, Milepost 206, north of Eugene: Oak Grove rest area (north and southbound); * Interstate 84, Milepost 229, east of Pendleton: Deadman’s Pass rest area (east and westbound).  Under the amendment, OTE will supervise operations at a total of 29 highway safety rest areas–three additional sites more than defined by 2012 legislation. OTE worked with its transportation partners to ensure the original intent under Senate Bill 1591 was fulfilled. Although funding will remain stable through 2015, OTE agreed to accept the additional rest areas from ODOT without increased revenue.