Interstate and other roadside Rest Areas - Open or Closed?

We came up I-81 today from VA, and from the MD line to just north of Harrisburg, PA and about every third rest area was open, at least for parking. The others had barriers across the entrance ramps. We'll travel the rest of the way up I-81 to NY tomorrow, and it'll be interesting to see if it's the same the rest of the way...

Lwiddis wrote:
Your travel is necessary?

Your need for vending machine access is required?

No, and no. Mine isn't necessary, but I was curious how it's affecting Canadians (and others) that are still returning to Canada from Snowbirding, and also how the commercial and heavy truck people are being affected. If there are any major bottlenecks that anyone may have observed in the US on the north bound routes, that sort of thing.
You never know, there might actually be some truckers or some snowbirds that might benefit from info posted to this thread by those out there in the real world.
(p.s. The MIDRIVE website says the Welcome Centers are closed UFN, but their map doesn't show that, so not every website is necessarily dependable or current)

Tripalot wrote:
Saw on the TV this morning that truckers are experiencing difficulty getting food, also bathrooms and shower facilities. Many truck stops are closed. I think this is mostly in the North East and into Canada.


Friends who just drove north from Florida to NYS reported that rest areas were so busy there was no room for RV's so they started going to Cracker Barrel parking lots. Restaurant was closed so lots of parking for RV's. I think the increase in traffic was due to Spring Break traffic.

Thanks for that. So, depending on what route you take, things are getting crazy out there.

Just wanted to get the picture on how your side of the border is handling things.

Got it! Just did a search and it looks like New England and NY have theirs open on 95.

Lwiddis wrote:
Your travel is necessary?

Your need for vending machine access is required?

I hate to call people out, but you've made this same (or similar) comment in multiple threads. Not that it's any of my business, but Kern County isn't home for you, is it?

Even if I'm wrong, maybe it's better not to be so judgmental.

Saw on the TV this morning that truckers are experiencing difficulty getting food, also bathrooms and shower facilities. Many truck stops are closed. I think this is mostly in the North East and into Canada.


Friends who just drove north from Florida to NYS reported that rest areas were so busy there was no room for RV's so they started going to Cracker Barrel parking lots. Restaurant was closed so lots of parking for RV's. I think the increase in traffic was due to Spring Break traffic.

magicbus wrote:
I was wondering if the OP had checked that myself. As far as I know the border is only open to essential travel and US citizens returning home. Likewise fit Canadian citizens going north.

Dave

Yes, you are correct. See prior repsonses to "Crowe".

Crowe wrote:
Not looking to cause trouble but will you be allowed into the US right now? My understanding unless it's urgent business the border is closed.

No, we aren't planing US travel, and yes, the border is still closed to non-essential travel. I mentioned that in my response to your intial post.
I'm was curious about what the status was of you abundant freeway rest areas. We have very few just bathroom/vending/rest areas in Canada. They're not nearly as common as they are in the US, and tend to be more like "on the freeway fuel/convenience/food" stops like the travel plazas on I-90 in NY, and some of the ones on I-95 north of Boston.
Just wanted to get the picture on how your side of the border is handling things.

I was wondering if the OP had checked that myself. As far as I know the border is only open to essential travel and US citizens returning home. Likewise fit Canadian citizens going north.

Dave

Not looking to cause trouble but will you be allowed into the US right now? My understanding unless it's urgent business the border is closed.