The Nevada Department of Transportation has issued a reminder that the I-80 Wadsworth rest area is off-limits to travelers for an unspecified period due to necessary septic repairs. According to a public notice from the Nevada Department of Transportation, the closure affects all services at the location, including parking and the RV dump station, following an inspection that revealed the need for septic system overhauls or possibly a complete replacement—developments that could be costly for the state.
This rest spot near Wadsworth is closed, and it’s unclear when it will reopen. The Nevada Department of Transportation needs to take a closer look to decide if new installations are needed, which could be costly. Built in the early ’70s, this facility is part of an aging network created in a different era of travel—when family road trips in wood-paneled station wagons were common, fewer stops were needed, and driving speeds were much slower than today.
For over 20 years, the Nevada Department of Transportation has provided more than 30 rest areas across the state to serve travelers. However, the semi-permanent closure of the I-80 Wadsworth rest area forces commuters to seek relief at Fernley, near the junction of I-80 and U.S. 95. While the department has suggested other comfort facilities along the highway, it’s clear that these state-maintained areas are important for safety and relaxation among travelers…