Seven new rest stops now open along Hwy. 401

Know that feeling when you really have to go and all you find driving along Hwy. 401 are construction signs instead of service centres?

The wait ended Friday as seven new centres opened – four can be found west of the GTA and three to the east.

And that is a major relief to motorists – like Jay – who told 680News he would always avoid the temporary rest stops.

“[…] You definitely cross your legs and hold it and hope you don’t have a bladder infection in the morning or something.”

CAA spokesperson, Faye Lyons, said drivers also no longer have to add distance to their drive to find a washroom.           

“They had to get off and find one in the community, which can be a challenge and there’s also safety concerns around that when it is [..] at midnight.”

The new service centres feature Canadian Tire gas bars, modern bathrooms and broader food options after a year of construction that left drivers with no place to go.

Lyons even gave the washrooms her stamp of approval.

“I have used them myself – they’re clean, they’re beautiful facilities.”

Food choices include Tim Hortons, A&W, Burger King and Taco Bell.

These new centres are part of the province’s redevelopment program of 23 service centres along Highways 401 and 400.

Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne said opening them is part of the government’s plan to invest in infrastructure and create job opportunities.

Below is a list of the service centre locations:

• Tilbury North – Highway 401 (Tim Hortons, Burger King, The Market)
• Tilbury South – Highway 401 (Tim Hortons, Burger King, The Market)
• Morrisburg – Highway 401 (Tim Hortons, Burger King, The Market)
• Trenton North – Highway 401 (Tim Hortons, A&W, Coldstone Creamery, Pizza Pizza, The Market)
• Dutton – Highway 401 (Tim Hortons, A&W, Coldstone Creamery, Taco Bell, KFC, The Market)
• West Lorne – Highway 401 (Tim Hortons, A&W, Taco Bell, KFC, The Market)
• Bainsville – Highway 401 (Tim  Hortons, Burger King, The Market)