The Virginia Department of Transportation is informing about 600 full-time workers this week that they’re losing their jobs.

As scheduled, most of the 18 rest areas slated for closure by the state shut down overnight, a spokesman for the Virginia Department of Transportation said this morning.

Virginia officials are seeking a change in federal law that would allow the private sector to run the state’s interstate rest areas.

Drivers will need to make room for a wide load on Virginia roads today through Thursday.

The state is going to mothball until at least 2011 the 18 rest areas and one welcome center slated for closure and eventual demolition because of budget cutbacks.

Around-the-clock James River ferry service and six interstate highway rest stops that were among 25 targeted for closure should be saved, state transportation officials said Wednesday.

Roadside grass will grow higher, 19 Interstate highway rest stops will close and highway workers will lose jobs as Virginia’s road money dries up.