MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Two rest areas will be upgraded and renovated as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) energy-saving project.

PennDOT announced Tuesday that two Interstate 80 (I-80) rest areas in Columbia County will undergo energy efficiency upgrades and renovations as part of the “Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) project, started by PennDOT and the Department of General Services in 2021.

According to PennDOT, any building systems eligible for energy-saving upgrades within a GESA Project are leveraged by future energy savings.

Officials say the project will upgrade the heating and ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting to improve energy efficiency in the building.

While the upgrades are being completed, the following rest areas, including the parking lots will be temporarily closed to the public:

  • Columbia County Roadside Rest Area – I-80 eastbound, in Mifflin Township;
  • Columbia County Roadside Rest Area – I-80 westbound, in Mifflin Township;
    • Both rest areas will be closed Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 24.

Drivers can check up-to-date conditions on major roadways by visiting 511PA online or calling 511.