CDOT to demolish Bennett Rest Area off I-70

The Colorado Department of Transportation plans to demolish an outdated rest area near Bennett off Interstate 70, saying it costs too much to make required upgrades there when it serves so few people.

CDOT said Tuesday the rest area serves about 109,000 people a year but costs about $138,000 each year to operate and needs about $1 million in upgrades. By contrast, more than 700,000 people visit the Vail Pass Rest Area each year.

A truck stop, grocery store and other shops have opened just off I-70 in Bennett over the last few years, making the rest area less necessary.

CDOT says closing the rest area will allow one full-time employee to return to the field, which should help area maintenance operations.