CHOCOWINITY, N.C. (AP) - A new rest area with several special environmental features has opened on U.S. Highway 17 in Beaufort County.
The rest area located about a mile south of Chocowinity is equipped with a 3,000-gallon underground cistern that catches rainwater off the rooftop for irrigation, which helps control stormwater runoff. It also has a solar thermal system that uses the sun to heat water.
The rest area has 18 truck spaces and 61 car spaces. It also has a family restroom.
North Carolina has 50 rest areas - 41 along interstates and 19 along primary routes. More than 25 million people use the rest areas each year.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.