The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) marked the completion of a rebuilt safety rest area along westbound Interstate 90 in Monroe County with a ribbon-cutting event near Sparta. The ceremony brought together WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman, Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association (WMCA) President Dan Johnson, Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities Chair Ben Barrett, and other community leaders.
“We’re so excited to open this modernized safety rest area showcasing enhancements to traveler safety and accessibility,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “Interstate 90 plays a vital role in the movement of freight and passengers across Wisconsin, and this safety rest area welcomes travelers, truck drivers and families with a safe, convenient and accessible place to take a break along their journey. This safety rest area exemplifies our commitment to building a better transportation system for everyone here in Wisconsin.”
Originally constructed in 1969, the previous facility had only 16 parking spaces for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and was considered outdated. The new facility now offers 70 truck parking spaces as well as an area designated for oversized or overweight vehicles. New signage along I-90 will inform truck drivers about available parking spots at the site as they travel through western Wisconsin.
“The cornerstone of the trucking industry is safety and we appreciate the work of the Wisconsin DOT to bring this rest area to completion,” said WMCA President Dan Johnson. “Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy and this new rest area will support driver well-being, improve highway safety, and strengthen Wisconsin’s supply chain. We thank the department for recognizing the essential role trucking plays in our state’s economy.”
Additional upgrades include improved lighting, indoor vending options, drinking fountains with water bottle fillers, ADA-compliant restrooms, and two family-assisted restrooms equipped with powered height-adjustable adult changing stations—making it the first state-owned facility in Wisconsin with these features.
“On behalf of the Council on Physical Disabilities, it’s great to see the family-assisted restrooms at the Sparta rest area and other Wisconsin rest areas in the future,” said Ben Barrett. “Most people may not need these accommodations now, but these changing stations will greatly help a loved one and their caregiver in the future. Thank you to the Wisconsin DOT for thinking of travelers of all abilities.”
Construction began in August 2024 on this $12.5 million project; $8 million came from federal grant funding. The facility is expected to fully open within weeks.
WisDOT is also working on rebuilding two additional safety rest areas along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel; those sites are scheduled to open by summer 2026.
Wisconsin maintains 28 year-round safety rest areas located on interstate highways or major four-lane roads statewide. Travelers can use WisDOT’s roadside facilities map online to find locations for safety stops such as waysides or scenic overlooks.
