Willington Rest Area Buildings to Resume 24-Hour Operation

WILLINGTON, CT — Seven state-operated highway rest area buildings, including two in Willington, will resume 24-hour operation beginning next Monday.

Staffing levels at the facilities had been reduced on Oct. 1, 2016 in response to budget cuts, limiting the seven locations to a one-shift, daytime operation. While the rest areas technically remained open around the clock under the scenario, the indoor facilities were closed to the public for the remaining two evening and overnight shifts, necessitating the sole use of outdoor portable restroom facilities during hours during un-staffed hours.

Funding to return the rest areas to round-the-clock operations was included in the budget signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont earlier this week.

“While certainly well intentioned, I believe the move to shut our state’s rest areas was penny wise and pound foolish,” Lamont said. “We have to make the necessary investments to attract people to visit and return to our state. This is a small but meaningful step toward making Connecticut more attractive to visitors and our residents alike.”

The two rest area buildings in Willington are at I-84 eastbound past Exit 69, and I-84 westbound past Exit 70.

Other affected rest areas are:

• I-84 Danbury eastbound past Exit 2
• I-84 Southington eastbound past Exit 28
• I-91 Wallingford southbound past Exit 15
• I-91 Middletown northbound past Exit 19
• I-95 North Stonington southbound past Exit 93