The Interstate 85 northbound rest area in Franklin County and the I-85 southbound rest area in Gwinnett County east of Atlanta closed permanently Aug. 25, the Georgia Department of Transportation announced.
“Many factors have gone into the decision to close these rest areas,” says Russell McMurray, GaDOT district engineer. “Criminal activity is rising at these locations. Safety is definitely a factor in this decision. Private development along the interstate now provides the services offered by rest areas. The condition of the rest areas has deteriorated, and the cost to maintain them is high.”
GaDOT says the Welcome Center on I-85 south in Hart County will remain open.
