AASHTO Journal - MoDOT Unveils Overhauled Boonville Rest Areas on I-70

The Missouri Department of Transportation recently unveiled newly renovated Boonville rest areas on I-70; upgraded facilities that feature fully rebuilt exteriors providing improved curb appeal; spacious air-conditioned common areas inside with benches and electrical outlets for charging devices; indoor vending machines and Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA-accessible family assist restrooms.

[Above photo by MoDOT]

MoDOT said it has spent the past few years replacing and upgrading its rest area facilities. The agency maintains seven welcome centers, 11 rest areas, and 31 truck-only parking sites across the state – all with the purpose of providing convenient accommodations that help with driver fatigue, providing a safe location 24/7 for tired travelers to pull off and recharge.

The upgraded locations also provide a safe, quiet, clean space for travelers to take a break, stretch, get a snack and use the restroom, with room outside for pets and kids to run around and inside shelter available for waiting out inclement weather, noted Scott Emmerich, MoDOT’s statewide facility manager, in a statement.

“This [Boonville] site alone sees over 400,000 vehicles every year, so it’s crucial for not just I-70 but for all of the traffic going across the state,” he said. “The old facility here was built back in the 1970s, so we wanted to upgrade it to meet ADA for truck drivers, commuters, and other travelers.”

He added that accessibility was also a consideration with the grounds around the facilities, which is why sloped sidewalks were added to reach the building from all sides, as well as handicapped parking on the truck parking side for truckers who need mobility assistance.

“I think these renovations show that we’re serious about safety and making our state and roadways look good.” Scott said. “I hope that the folks who stop here appreciate what we’ve done to help aid them in their travels across the state.”

In addition to Boonville, rest area renovations have already been completed in three other locations: Lathrop (I-35), Dearborn (I-29) and Bloomsdale (I-55). The next rest stops to be upgraded are in St. Clair, MoDOT noted, with the current facilities recently demolished and new structures currently under construction as part of the Forward 44 project, which will also include the demolition of an unused weigh station nearby to become additional truck parking.