Caltrans announced earlier this week that the northbound U.S. 101 Gaviota rest area was reopening Tuesday at noon. In recent years, the rest stop has swung open only to close again multiple times due to a variety of issues with its wastewater system. 

KSBY-TV visited the site during its much-anticipated reopening and noted that the “very popular and busy” rest area had reopened — only to swiftly shutter yet again. “But after about 45 minutes, Caltrans showed back up and told us they need to close once again due to waterline issues,” KSBY’s Juliet Lemar reported. 

Caltrans said in a statement that the issue was out of its control. There is no timeframe for another reopening. 

The swinging doors are merely the latest in an ongoing saga for the Gaviota rest areas. 

The rest stops occasionally opened but would quickly close again. They have now become the subject of ridicule for Central Coast residents.