WisDOT joins WMCA, Council on Physical Disabilities to celebrate modern, accessible safety rest area

Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Kristina Boardman today joined Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association (WMCA) President Dan Johnson, Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities Chair Ben Barrett and other community leaders near Sparta to celebrate completion of the safety rest area rebuild along westbound Interstate 90 in Monroe County. The ribbon cutting event recognized a strategic investment in Wisconsin’s infrastructure to modernize an aging facility, increase truck parking and improve accessibility for all travelers.

“We’re so excited to open this modernized safety rest area showcasing enhancements to traveler safety and accessibility,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “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 built in 1969, the Sparta safety rest area had insufficient parking for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with only 16 truck parking stalls along with outdated and undersized facilities. Now, the new Safety Rest Area helps alleviate the national CMV parking shortage by providing 70 truck parking spaces and a staging area for oversized/overweight vehicles. In addition, new signs along I-90 will proactively inform truck drivers of open spots at this safety rest area, as they look ahead on their route moving 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.”

In addition to significantly increasing the number of truck parking spaces, WisDOT modernized the safety rest area facility featuring better lighting, dedicated indoor space for vending options, drinking fountains with water bottle fillers and ADA-compliant restrooms. This safety rest area along I-90 near Sparta is the first state-owned facility in Wisconsin to include two new family-assisted restrooms with powered, height adjustable adult changing stations.

“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, Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities Chair. “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 work began in August 2024 on the $12.5 million project, including $8 million secured through a federal grant. This safety rest area is anticipated to fully open to travelers in a few weeks. WisDOT is actively rebuilding two other safety rest areas in northeast Wisconsin along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel. Those safety rest areas are anticipated to open in summer 2026.

Open year-round, Wisconsin has 28 safety rest areas located on the interstate highway system and other major four-lane highways. Travelers are encouraged to use the WisDOT roadside facilities map to easily locate safety rest areas, waysides, scenic overlooks, historical markers, or parking turnouts.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.