Two rest areas will be transformed into truck stops in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) closed two rest areas for construction to convert them into commercial parking lots.

We are talking about recreation areas in the south of I-29 Platte County (Dearborn) and Clinton County I-35 (Lathrop). During the closure, crews will demolish existing buildings, add additional parking for commercial trucks and restrooms.

“When truckers can’t find parking off the road, they resort to parking on the interstate access ramps and this creates a safety hazard,” said Marty Liles, MoDOT northwest district engineer. “By converting the rest areas to truck parking, we’re able to help meet the needs of commercial vehicles while decreasing the costs associated in the renovation and upkeep of traditional rest areas.”

The $3.8 million project is expected to be completed by October 2023. MoDOT currently has 14 rest areas and 24 truck stops on seven interstates across the state.