North Dakota DOT shutting down rest areas; South Dakota's remain open...for now

KWAT

March 20, 2020

Mike Tanner

PIERRE, S.D.—The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are far-reaching, and now they’re even impacting highway rest areas.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) announced today that in order to combat the spread of the virus, they are temporarily closing buildings at the state’s 21 rest areas, effective today, until further notice.
Parking lot areas will remain open for use by the public.

The NDDOT does not have cleaning personnel continuously posted at rest areas.

South Dakota rest areas remain open, but DOT Secretary Darin Bergquist tells KWAT News in an email that closing them is something they have considered.

For now, Bergquist says they’re increasing cleaning efforts to keep them open, and will monitor the situation going forward.