Fresh pavement isn’t the only upgrade awaiting travelers on I‑70. MoDOT’s newly renovated Boonville rest areas have turned a routine pit stop into a modern, accessible break in a long drive.
Missouri maintains seven welcome centers, 11 rest areas and 31 truck-only parking sites across the state. all with the purpose of providing convenient accommodations for those traveling through the state. Studies show rest areas also help with driver fatigue, as these types of facilities provide a safe location 24/7 for tired travelers to pull off and recharge.
MoDOT has spent the past few years replacing and upgrading outdated facilities to meet modern Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and improve usability, with the Boonville rest areas on each side of Interstate 70 being the most recent sites to receive a modern facelift.
“This 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,” MoDOT’s Statewide Facility Manager Scott Emmerich said. “The old facility here was built back in the 70s, so we wanted to upgrade it to meet ADA for truck drivers, commuter cars and other travelers.”
Now these upgraded locations provide a safe, quiet, clean space for travelers to take a break, stretch, get a snack and use the restroom. There’s room outside for pets and kids to run around for a bit and shelter inside to wait for inclement weather to pass.
Both Boonville facilities received the same updates: a fully rebuilt exterior providing improved curb appeal, a spacious air-conditioned common area inside with benches and electrical outlets for charging devices, indoor vending machines and an ADA-accessible family assist restroom.
Accessibility was also a consideration with the grounds around the facilities. 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.
This project was awarded to Drinkard Construction. This local contracting company out of California, Mo. completed the project two months ahead of schedule. CDG Engineers, Inc. designed the renovation project.
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 stops to be upgraded are in St. Clair. Those facilities have recently been demolished and are 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.
“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.”
Travelers who want to stop and enjoy these upgraded facilities can find a map of all Missouri’s rest areas, welcome centers and truck parking lots at modot.org.