On the road: Wireless rest stops in WA

Many rest areas in Washington state now boast wireless access, The Seattle Times reports, but there's a catch. Access is free to access the state's Department of Transportation site to access road conditions and traffic reports, but those Redmond types who just have to check email will have to pay - and it won't be cheap.

The DOT, working with Parsons Transportation Group and Road Connect, will allow travelers with laptop computers to log in and check, for example, road conditions and travel times.

"We're confident this information, accessible at various critical points around the state, will allow drivers to make informed choices about their travel plans," said Doug Pierce, DOT's maintenance and operations manager.

The wireless stops are chiefly on I-5 near Seattle and Olympia, but there are also a few in eastern Washington. (Map).