If you’re used to using the Westland rest area on Interstate 275 west of Detroit in Canton, you’ll soon need to find a different place to stop and/or park. The Michigan Department of Transportation is closing the 41-year-old facility for good next month.
The department said in a statement earlier this week the rest area is too expensive to repair or replace so will close it Nov. 14. The building and parking lot will be demolished.
MDOT said the truck parking area and scales will remain but for law enforcement use only. Ramp access will be barricaded and locked, according to the MDOT news release.
The agency explained its reasoning:
“MDOT has determined that the Westland Rest Area, which was built in 1977, has exceeded its useful service life and would require significant investment to remain open. The estimated cost to replace the building is $1.1 million to $1.5 million, plus the continued costs for maintenance, safety, and security. These costs combined amount to two to three times the typical operating costs of other rest areas.
“The 41-year-old facility was built along with I-275 in what was mostly rural area at the time. This is now a highly urbanized area with many alternatives for motorist services available at Exit 22 to US-12 and at Exit 25 to M-153.”
MDOT said alternatives include the Belleville Rest Area on westbound I-94 (west of I-275), and the Carleton Rest Area on southbound I-275. Other truck parking is available on I-75 at Exit 32B and on I-94 at Exit 200.
