I-5 Scatter Creek (Thurston County) - A three-month closure of the northbound I-5 Scatter Creek rest area to passenger vehicles begins Wednesday, May 28. The closure is part of a $6 million improvement project to upgrade the I-5 Scatter Creek and Maytown rest areas and connect them to the Thurston County sewer system. Trucks and buses will still be able to use the existing truck-parking area in front of the facility.
Why does WSDOT have Safety Rest Areas?
Safety Rest Areas provide highway travelers safe and convenient facilities to rest themselves before continuing with their journey. The department owns and operates forty-two Safety Rest Areas within our state. Twenty-seven of which are located on the Interstate System. With the exception of one facility requiring winter closures, our facilities are open to the public 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Find a location of a Safety Rest Area.
2008 National Safety Rest Area Conference
The Washington State Department of Transportation will be hosting the 2008 National Safety Rest Area Conference to provide information about rest area programs, infrastructure, and services. The conference will be held October 1–3, 2008 in Seattle, Washington. View conference details.
Designed with the traveler in mind
All of our Safety Rest Areas are handicapped accessible. Other features include:
- car, truck, and recreational vehicle parking;
- clean restrooms;
- drinking water;
- traveler information;
- picnic areas;
- vending machines;
- public telephones;
- pet exercise areas
Free Coffee Program
Twenty-six of Washington's Safety Rest Areas offer travelers a unique welcome service called the "Free Coffee Program". This program allows non-profit organizations to provide travelers with coffee and light refreshments at no charge. Although the service is free to the traveling public, participating organizations are allowed to accept donations. Groups must register with the Department to participate in this program.
Detailed Interstate Exit Guide
The detailed Interstate Exit Guide gives an in-depth look at Washington State's Interstate exit locations, numbers, directions, and available services.
Latitude & Longitudes for the Safety Rest Areas are now available.