Smokey Point rest area on I-5 closed due to issues with homeless campers
Homeless campers led to the closure of a popular rest area on I-5 and now a plan is being drawn up to keep the facility from being overrun again.
The Smokey Point rest area in Arlington has been shut-down since July 18 so WSDOT can work with Washington State Patrol to keep people from staying beyond posted parking limits.
Nicholas Damm, who was traveling to Sumas with his family, said rest areas offer drivers a safe place to take a break.
“The rest stop is there for a particular reason and if it can't be used for that reason then something needs to be done," Damm said. “I understand that displacing them is an absolute tragedy in itself, and them not having a safe place to camp is an absolute tragedy, but I understand why those steps were taken."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/smokey-point-rest-area-on-i-5-closed-due-to-issues-with-homeless-campers/ar-AA100NDT