Two north Ga. rest stops to close on I-85

UNDATED - Two north Georgia rest stops on Interstate 85 will close due to rising criminal activity in the area, among other reasons.

Georgia Department of Transportation officials said the I-85 northbound rest area in Franklin County and the I-85 southbound rest area in Gwinnett County will both close Aug. 25.

"Safety is definitely a factor in this decision," said DOT District Engineer Russell McMurry. "The condition of the rest areas has deteriorated and the cost to maintain them is high."

McMurry said private development in both areas now offers the same services once solely provided by the rest stops.

DOT spokesperson Teri Pope said the welcome center in Hart County near the state line will remain open, but she said more area rest stops could close in the next several months.

"There are 19 rest areas statewide, and these are the only two that we are closing now," Pope said. "But based on our budget constraints, we could be closing more in the future."