ADEL — Cook County rest stops along Interstate 75 reopen May 17 after more than a year of repairs and remodeling.

The rest areas located between exits 45 and 49 are expected to open by 8 a.m., according to a statement from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Repairs were made to the parking lot, sidewalks, picnic canopies, drainage and bathroom walls and ceilings. Roofs and gutters were replaced and aluminum panels were installed on the underside of the breezeway trusses to keep birds from nesting.

Heating and air conditioning systems were replaced and all lighting uses LED lights. Restrooms renovations include toilets with automatic flush valves, new floor tile, replacement counters, mirrors, electric hand dryers and toilet partitions.

The remodeling was paid for with LOGO funds, not taxpayer dollars. Businesses pay a fee to participate in the LOGO program, which provides blue signs along the interstate highlighting food, gas and lodging. The project cost was $3,038,666.66 and the contractor was Quillian Powell Construction Company Inc. of Valdosta, according to the transportation department.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.