Connecticut, proudly self-described as The Land of Steady Habits, is threatening to disrupt the steadiest habit of all. Shared sacrifice for a habit we all share.
There is angst over Connecticut’s budget crisis, and anger over issues such as decriminalizing marijuana.
Somewhat overshadowed, it seems to me, is the legislation to close the rest stops on Interstates 84, 91 and 95 that do not have income-producing businesses on them (a gas station and a McDonald’s, for instance).
from Conndot
The Malloy administration says this cut is non-negotiable. Gonna happen. Period.
The trucking industry isn’t happy, and the Boy Scouts will have nowhere to serve coffee to drowsy drivers. Both cite safety issues.
I’m wondering where the National Organization for Women is on this, because men clearly have an advantage when no facilities are available. The AARP may want to chime in, too.
Perhaps it’s time for a new state slogan.
How about: “Connecticut. Pull Over and Pee!” That’ll look nifty on a sign, wouldn’t it?
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UPDATE: It now appears the rest stops will survive! Go in peace.
The Brooks File 
I definitely think that this story has not gotten enough coverage. These are “safety” stops as well as for “comfort”. Truck drivers and others who are on the road for any length of time need these areas. From what I can see, the I-91 SB rest area in Wallingford is full every evening and every morning- in fact there is an “overflow” (no pun intended) on to the ramp on many days. It just does not make any sense to me. That rest stop is at least 3 miles from Route 5 businesses – many that have signs” “No Tractor Trailer Trucks”. The same goes for the I-91 NB rest area in Middletown. Other stops in Conn. are located just inside the state borders – a natural place for drivers who want to or need to can stop while travelling. I do not think the small cost saving here is worth the potential safety hazard that this might cause.
Also, several years ago in Brattleboro, VT the NB “Welcome Center” on I-91 was closed. That used to be a great place to stop while heading north. I think that was a great disappointment.
By the way, I heard this item was released from Hartford in a Press Release last Friday afternoon around 5 PM so that it would not get much coverage.
Thank you.
Malloy clearly isnt an environmentalist, I just hope nutmeggar parents are ready to explain to their kids that those half filled jugs on the side of the road are not lemonade.
Thank God this crisis was averted!
EW! LOL! 🙂
Sounds like Gov. Malloy has taken a page from GW Bush–“My way or the highway.”
What a great way to welcome visitors to our state. “Welcome, but hold it till you leave…and make it snappy.”
As for revenue producing via the rest stops, the ones on the Mass Pike (at least between Charlton and Westborough/Framingham) are franchises (the couple’s photo is on the wall in the entry way), so exactly who is the revenue produced for?
All I know is that gas is a helluva lot cheaper on the Pike than in CT.
Ya know, I didn’t pay attention this weekend on the Pike, but we stopped in Sturbridge, thinking off the Pike would be even cheaper, but guess what…it wasn’t all that much cheaper. It was 3.99 vs. 4.09 at home.
In fairness, hubby didn’t listen to me when I said to go right on rt. 20 (toward Auburn) and went left toward Brimfield, aka “tourist central.” (My father’s family is from the Sturbridge/Oxford and I spent a lot of time there growing up, but what do I know? hehe)
You want revenue? Put coin boxes on the facilities.
And a sign inside:
“Pee at last, pee at last, thank God almighty I can pee at last!”
Save me a seat in hell. (If you get there first.)
I buy my gas in Sturbridge (Pilot $3.75/gal) vs. $4.07 in Stafford. I buy my Adult beverages at Yankee Spirits in Sturbridge ($8.00 savings on a jug of Tanqueray) and now I’ll piss on Connecticut. Would prefer to do it at Danny’s feet. Never thought I’d see the day that moving back to Massachusetts makes more sense than living in Connecticut.
And we used to laugh about Taxachusetts.
I deal with truckers everyday and it is so sad that they are constantly being busted about running “legal” to keep the roads safe. Where now in Eastern CT will these guys be able to stop to take their “legal” break? I just couldn’t believe it when I heard they were closing these areas! Where is this man’s head at??
Many of the carriers I deal with go to extreme lengths to avoid the state of CT. We sure aren’t friendly to the truckers!