Newly Completed Corning Safety Roadside Rest Areas

REDDING – The California Department of Transportation (District 2) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly completed Corning Safety Roadside Rest Areas (Lt. John C. Helmick Safety Roadside Rest Area) on May 31, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the southbound rest area. Construction began August 31, 2015 on the complete reconstruction of the facilities and landscaping. The rest areas were named in honor of Lt. John C. Helmick, a C.H.P. commander who was killed a collision on SR 99 on February 27, 1989. The facilities, originally built in 1965, were re-opened to the public on Monday, May 8, 2017.

The new facilities boast all L.E.D. electrical fixtures, low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water use, and a total of four bathrooms (two for men and two for women). A new shade structure has been constructed on each side, along with additional seating and more picnic tables. The new landscaping is drought tolerant, with a low-flow irrigation system and smart controllers to adjust to local weather conditions. Security cameras have been installed, as well as sundials around each flagpole as an added architectural feature. The estimated final cost of the project is projected at $6.4 million.

Caltrans District 2 officials will be on hand to answer questions, along with other local agencies. Please contact the Public Information Office in District 2 at 530-225-3426 for additional information.