INVESTIGATION OF REST AREA REQUIREMENTS. INTERIM REPORT

Rest areas are an important part of our highway system, particularly on the interstate system. This report presents the findings of an extensive investigation to determine requirements for rest areas, with particular emphasis on comfort stations. Many sources of information were used in the study. Highway officials in other states were visited and questioned, rest areas were inspected, comfort stations within the states operated by other agencies were visited, and modular restroom manufacturing facilities were visited. Rest area surveys were conducted, district maintenance personnel were consulted, and complaint letters received by the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation were reviewed. Accepted design procedures for determining number of fixtures are presented in this report. Volume 2 of this report contains detailed information on the surveys and interviews. Reports 442-4 and 442-5F will include specifc recommendations.