Idaho Transportation Department
10/22/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/22/2021 09:23
Vandalism forces closure of Hagerman Rest Area
10/22/2021
Contact:
Jessica Williams
ITD Office of Communication
208 886-7806
[email protected]
Vandalism forces closure of Hagerman Rest Area
SHOSHONE - Due to a recent string of vandalism, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has closed the Hagerman Rest Area until further notice. Within the last month, three separate incidents have resulted in substantial damage to the facility located south of Hagerman on US-30.
"Our toilets, sinks and mirrors have been both stolen and destroyed beyond repair in the men's and family assistance restrooms," said Shawn Webb, ITD's South-Central Idaho Facility Manager. "While we don't yet know the exact cost of this damage, we know it will be thousands of dollars to repair."
The lawn was also damaged after a vehicle drove on the grass and destroyed landscaping.
"Our crews work hard to maintain the rest areas provided for convenience to the public," stated Webb. "When we have not only one, but multiple incidents such as this, it is very disheartening."
ITD is exploring the possibility of placing portable toilets in the area to offset the negative impacts this vandalism and subsequent closure have caused the traveling public.
ITD is working with the Gooding County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating these incidents.
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ITD is responsible for operating, preserving, restoring and improving an integrated network of 12,315 lane miles of highways and roads, 1,830 bridges, 2,523 miles of Idaho Byways, and 31 state backcountry airstrips. The state highway system also includes 31 rest areas and 12 fixed ports of entry.