PREBLE COUNTY — UPDATE @ 1:09 p.m. (Aug 3)
A decision in whether an I-70 rest stop in Preble County will be rebuilt after a demolition is still pending. We will continue to update this story with the latest information we receive.
FIRST REPORT:
The Ohio Department of Transportation has confirmed it will demolish the now closed westbound rest stop off I-70 near the state line in the next two months.
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ODOT has not indicated whether it will build a new rest stop or keep the lot empty once demolished.
With so many private rest stops available along I-70, ODOT says it wants to be careful with how it spends the public’s money.
"Oh yeah, I think they should be more wary of how they spend our money," Daril Williamson told News Center 7's John Bedell.
Bedell spoke with Williamson and his wife, Brenda, while taking a break from their trip to Missouri at a Travel Center America off the highway. The Williamsons say they prefer state-run rest stops.
“Places like this are OK if you need gas, you know, or something like that. But if you just need to take a break, stretch your legs, we prefer the easy off, easy on,” Brenda said.
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ODOT told Bedell they have not made a final decision on what will happen with the rest stop, but “CLOSED” signs are posted in front of the restroom entrances and exit signs.
The Eaton rest stop on I-70 eastbound is scheduled to be completed in the Spring, weather permitting.
