This sign informs motor-ists that the Wagarville rest area is closed. (SA photo by Evan Carden)

The Alabama Department of Transportation’s rest area at Wagarville has been closed. ALDOT workers closed the area down last Thursday.

ALDOT’s Eighth Division Engineer Jerry Holt said, "The facility was in bad shape and in need of rehabilitation if it was to remain open and it was decided it was too costly."

He speculated that the needed repairs to the building, parking area, sewer lagoon and more could cost close to $1 million and said ALDOT had deemed that too expensive.

He said the annual budget for operating the rest area, including employees and security guards, runs about $300,000. One source said six employees would be affected by the closing.

This barricade blocks the entrance to the former rest area. (SA photo by Evan Carden)

The 38-acre rest area includes parking for vehicles, tractor-trailer rigs and large recreational vehicles, a picnic area, concessions and restrooms.

Holt said the present crunch of state dollars and Gov. Riley’s vow to make state government more accountable in its operations likely figured in the decision to close too.

An Alabama Historical Commission sign at the rest area describes the Tombigbee River settlements of the early 1800s. Holt said the appropriate agency is being contacted to see about moving the sign.

Holt said the closing of the Wagarville rest area isn’t unique; that others around the state are also being shuttered.

"One has just closed on Highway 31 close to Bay Minette and there are others that have closed or are closing too," he said.