You use it as a place to get information, as a place to meet up with friends, as a place to make a pit stop and more. Changes are coming to rest areas in Connecticut.

The budget process rears it's head again around Connecticut. Saving money is the name of the game, so another cut comes to our state. Connecticut has numerous Rest Areas & Service Plazas. You can expect changes soon.

According to newstimes.com, Connecticut is cutting back the hours it staffs highway rest areas in Danbury and other spots around the state. The reduced hours are expected to save the state around $2,000,000 a year.

The upside is that the reduced hours at the rest areas only affect the welcome center and indoor facilities, with the parking areas and portable toilets still available 24 hours a day. The Danbury Welcome Center / Rest Area at I-84 and Exit 2 near the New York border will see the following change, it will close from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily staring September 30, but parking will remain available 24 hours a day.

Fran Mayko, spokeswoman for Triple A Southern New England told newstimes.com:

Although these rest stops certainly are convenient for travelers, it’s not like they have no other options overnight. There usually are available gas stations, convenience stores and other amenities around the nearest exit. As on any road trip, long or short, we urge travelers to be prepared and plan accordingly

While five other rest areas around the state will close from 4 p.m to 8 a.m., the good news is that the closures don't affect the I-95 and Route 15 rest areas with full services that are open around the clock.

Listen to Pam Brooks weekdays from 10-3PM on 95.1 FM, online at i95rock.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.

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