Rest areas introduce many travelers to unfamiliar regions and their unique cultural and aesthetic qualities. Context SensitivityĬaltrans emphasizes context-sensitive design. Information generally includes roadway conditions, tourist and recreational opportunities, traveler-related commercial services, public service bulletins, missing children information and information about the local history, culture and regional environment. Rest areas provide telephones, maps and public information. Designs emphasize resource conservation and the use of environmentally sound technologies. Durable materials and construction methods are used to ensure ease and economy of maintenance. Rest areas are designed for long-term, heavy-duty use. The rest area system provides public stopping opportunities where they are most needed, usually between large towns and at the entrance to major metropolitan areas. The rest area system is planned with consideration of alternative stopping opportunities, such as truck stops, commercial services, welcome centers and vista points.

Landscaping and pedestrian amenities invite the traveler to rest and relax. Good lighting and security features allow comfortable use 24 hours a day. Rest areas are open, convenient and accessible to all travelers, regardless of age, disability or language. Attractive and useful, rest areas encourage travelers to use a safe location off the roadway to take a break and return more alert to the highway. They provide clean, safe and comfortable places for travelers to rest and manage their needs. Rest areas are an important part of Caltrans' efforts to ensure traveler safety. The Caltrans Safety Roadside Rest Area System provides a well-planned and maintained system of attractive and safe places where travelers restore their energy and driving alertness while gathering information and learning about California's natural and cultural resources as follows: Essential to Highway Safety To see a list of Safety Roadside Rest Areas, you can use QuickMap once you have clicked on the link to the QuickMap page, click the “Options” tab and then select “Rest Areas” to show these facilities statewide. Equipped with comprehensive informational materials and expert staff, each CWC acts as a window into the world of the surrounding region and area.Ĭlick here to learn more about the California Welcome Centers.

The Division of Tourism oversees a system of California Welcome Centers (CWC) for the convenience of travelers and tourists. Rest areas are maintained and operated by the Department's local districts with guidance from the Division of Maintenance. Rest area projects are designed and constructed by the Department's local districts, with architectural and mechanical support from the Division of Engineering Services, Structures Design. The Landscape Architecture Program provides guidance for planning and designing new rest areas and rehabilitating existing rest areas. Rest areas reduce drowsy and distracted driving and provide a safe and convenient alternative to unsafe parking along the roadside.

Safety Roadside Rest Areas provide opportunities for travelers to safely stop, stretch, take a nap, use the restroom, get water, check maps, place telephone calls, switch drivers, check vehicles and loads, and exercise pets. Photo of Camp Roberts Safety Roadside Rest Area IntroductionĬaltrans provides Safety Roadside Rest Areas as a part of the State Highway System pursuant to Streets and Highways Code, Sections 218-226.5.

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