WisDOT’s Newly Rebuilt Rest Areas Make Travel Safer, More Accessible
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Kristina Boardman today joined Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association (WMCA) President Dan Johnson, Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities executive committee member Julie Blasky and other community leaders near Maribel to celebrate completion of two safety rest area rebuilds along Interstate 43 near Denmark and Maribel in Manitowoc County. The ribbon cutting event recognized strategic investments in Wisconsin’s infrastructure to modernize two aging facilities, increase truck parking and improve accessibility for all travelers.
“Wisconsin’s safety rest areas are more than places to take a break – they’re an important part of a safe, reliable transportation system,” WisDOT Secretary Boardman said. “With these two new facilities, we’re continuing to build a network of modern, accessible rest areas that better serve everyone who travels our highways. Whether you’re a commercial driver or a family on vacation, every traveler deserves safe, welcoming places to stop, rest and recharge.”
Originally built in 1980, these two safety rest areas had inadequate parking for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with only 20 truck parking stalls along with outdated facilities. Now, the new safety rest areas help alleviate the national CMV parking shortage by providing 56 truck parking spaces at each facility and a staging area for oversized/overweight vehicles. In addition, new signs along I-43 notify truck drivers of open spots at these safety rest areas as they look ahead on their route through northeast Wisconsin.
“Safety is the cornerstone of the trucking industry, and we applaud the work of the Wisconsin DOT to modernize these two rest areas,” said WMCA President Johnson. “Access to safe, accessible and well-maintained parking is essential to driver well-being, regulatory compliance, and highway safety. This investment is especially important for eastern and northeastern Wisconsin, where trucking is critical to supporting manufacturers, farmers, and businesses across the region.”
In addition to significantly increasing the number of truck parking spaces, WisDOT modernized the safety rest area facilities to feature better lighting, dedicated indoor space for vending options, drinking fountains with water bottle fillers and ADA-compliant restrooms. These safety rest areas along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel join a growing list state-owned facilities in Wisconsin to include two new family-assisted restrooms with powered, height adjustable adult changing stations.
“On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank and commend the Wisconsin DOT for their ongoing commitment to accessibility and safe travel for all,” said Julie Blasky, Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities executive committee member. “Projects like the one we celebrate today are a step in the right direction towards making travel throughout Wisconsin more welcoming and possible to members of the disability community.”
Construction work began in late April 2025 on the $20.4 million project, including $12.5 million secured through a federal grant. All major construction activities are complete, and these safety rest areas will open to travelers tomorrow (Aug. 5). In the coming years, WisDOT plans to rebuild the two safety rest areas along I-41 near Theresa and Lomira in Dodge County.
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.
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