The Washington State Patrol recently closed Smokey Point Rest Area on Interstate 5 northbound. This happened due to illegal camping and parking violations. This article will examine why this rest area closed and why it affects homeless encampments. The rest area is a popular destination for tourists and has a number of amenities including washrooms and services. However, the rest area is not safe for everyone. Listed below are some things to keep in mind before you use it.
Map of Smokey Point Northbound Rest Area
You can find a map of the Smokey Point Northbound Rest Area Arlington, WA on a google map. This interactive map can be viewed in two ways. Either click on the map and move it around, or click on the controls in the upper left and right corners of the map. If you wish to zoom in or out, you can use the controls on the top right and left corners of the map.
Currently, the Silver Lake rest area is closed for RV travelers, but the state has plans to reopen it within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, Smokey Point rest area will remain closed. Custer rest area and Silver Lake rest area are also shut down for RV travelers. The closures will last at least three months, and will be evaluated again in early 2022. The closures will be the result of low staffing levels. Read on to find out more.
RV spots filled up by “residents”
After a brief closure last October, Smokey Point rest areas have reopened to commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. The RV dump station and free coffee are open, but residents are still unable to park there. State patrol has since devised solutions for the rest areas, which could also be implemented at other rest areas in the state. Here are a few tips for those planning a trip to Arlington.
A traveler from Snohomish County recently complained about filthy conditions at Smokey Point Rest Area Northbound in Arlington, requesting stricter State Patrol enforcement. Washington state code prohibits lingering for more than eight hours in rest areas. After 48 hours, parked vehicles will be towed. The WSDOT has taken steps to clean up the area, with the installation of barricades and regular lawn maintenance. The city has also diverted crews from road maintenance to clean up the rest areas. Explore more!
Issues with rest area facilities
Last October, the Washington State Department of Transportation closed several rest areas along the Interstate 5, including the Custer rest area and Smokey Point. The closures were prompted by problems with visitors abusing the facilities, including illegally disposing of trash, vandalism, and verbal abuse of WSDOT employees. After the closures, the State Patrol implemented solutions that could be applied to all rest areas in Washington.
The first step toward reopening the Smokey Point Rest Area was to reevaluate its facilities. The rest areas are now open to commercial vehicles, although RV dump stations remain closed. The Southbound Smokey Point Rest Area is open, but the northbound rest area is closed. The weigh station is open at Smokey Point, but there’s no coffee. WSDOT is currently evaluating reopening the rest area facilities early next year.
Impact of closure on homeless encampments
Washington State Department of Transportation officials are closing five rest areas on Interstate 5 north of Seattle, due to excessive trash, vandalism, and lack of staff. Closures will last at least three months and will be reviewed again in 2022. The State Patrol is now implementing a plan to keep the rest areas safe and free from overcrowding. In the meantime, the rest areas will remain closed until officials can implement a plan to reduce their numbers.
The rest area will remain closed for RV travelers. Currently, the rest area is only open for dump stations on northbound I-5. Several people are utilizing the Silver Lake rest area for their nightly stays. This new closure will cause a 100-mile gap in rest areas for drivers. Travelers should plan their stops carefully and use the restrooms if needed. Browse next article.
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