CARIBOU – Local transportation officials have proposed that a highway rest area along Route 1 not be opened this year because of “nearly constant vandalism” at the site.

The rest area is commonly known as the Prestile Hill Rest Area and overlooks some of the most scenic views of farmland and the Aroostook River in central Aroostook County. It has not been reopened this spring.

The vandalism has made the site the most expensive in The County to maintain, according to Jerry Waldo, Division 1 engineer for the Maine Department of Transportation.

“It’s a constant headache for us,” Waldo said Tuesday.

The Caribou City Council endorsed closing the rest area during a meeting Monday, citing its unfavorable reputation and other problems, according to Richard Mattila, city manager.

The council was concerned that the site would fall into disrepair and become an eyesore. If department officials in Augusta approved the closing, the pavement would be removed and the site re-seeded, Waldo said. Trees also may be planted there, the DOT official said.

About $8,000 to $10,000 in savings could be realized from the closing of the Route 1 site, Waldo said.

“We spent some extra effort last season cleaning up and repairing the two scenic overlooks along the [Caribou] bypass, and it is my goal to continue to keep them attractive for the traveler to stop and look at the views,” Waldo said in his letter to the Caribou City Council.

The local DOT office also has proposed closing two rest areas on Route 11.

Waldo said the Hale Brook site and the Violette Brook site also would be closed to save money.

Picnic tables, fireplaces and other amenities would be removed from all three rest areas. However, the pavement would remain at the Route 11 sites, according to Waldo.