Economic development, Wisconsin rest areas - Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Wisconsin's rest areas provide many amenities to travelers on the state's Interstate and major 4-lane highways. The rest areas and their services encourage road users not only to take needed rest breaks, but also provide the opportunity for toilet stops, driver changes, snack breaks, travel information, and (in most locations) weather information. Across the state, 30 rest areas are located along major highways – both between major cities and at state entry points.

Wisconsin continues to improve the quality of amenities provided at rest areas. All facilities feature separate areas for car and truck parking, landscaped surroundings, water supply, handicap-accessible restroom facilities, trash/recycling bins, pamphlet racks for travel information, public telephones, and security lighting. Newer facilities also include separate unisex family/assisted restrooms, baby-changing stations (for families with infants and small children), weather information, vending machines, picnic shelters and tables, children’s play areas and pet walk areas.

Several rest areas also feature historical markers and/or scenic overlooks. Natural landscaping is emphasized in the design of most rest areas; some feature prairie restoration demonstration projects. Tree plantings have also been positioned to offer resting travelers adequate shade. These features are highly-regarded and are conducive to effective rest breaks.

Wisconsin travelers may also encounter waysides, smaller-scale facilities which are generally located on two-lane highways. Waysides are more rustic in nature and feature parking, toilet facilities, drinking water, and picnic areas. Many waysides are located in scenic locations, and are generally open seasonally. Approximately half of the state’s waysides are maintained by County Highway Departments.

Rest Area Maintenance (RAM) program

Through the Rest Area Maintenance (RAM) program, established in 1987, WisDOT contracts with Rehabilitation For Wisconsin, Inc. (RFW) to provide program management services. WisDOT also contracts with 23 Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) throughout Wisconsin to provide custodial care, landscape maintenance, and minor repairs at 136 roadside sites in 40 counties in Wisconsin, including all 30 rest areas and many waysides. These agencies provide employment for people with disabilities.

In 2009, the RAM program employed 371 disabled people under this program. 18 individuals moved to other jobs in their community due to the work experience and training they received by working at RAM Program sites. These employment opportunities have allowed people to achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency within their communities. Employees have tremendous pride and even a sense of ownership in "their" rest areas.

Rest areas and economic development

New federal hours-of-service requirements for commercial vehicle drivers have placed truck parking in rest areas in higher demand. Wisconsin has recently expanded truck parking areas at its rebuilt rest areas. This ensures drivers can abide by regulations and deliver their loads in a safe, timely manner.

Some of the rest areas also serve as tourist information and promotional centers. At designated hours, some rest areas are staffed with knowledgeable volunteers that provide directions to area eating and lodging establishments as well as sites of interest. Maps and brochures are available to visitors to help travelers experience Wisconsin attractions.

Rest areas serve as ambassadors of the state. The state's rest areas are often the first impression to an out-of-state visitor. The design and layout of the facility as well as the upkeep, cleanliness and other functioning amenities are important to travelers.

Case studies

Wisconsin continues to upgrade its rest areas. In 2009, new/expanded facilities opened in the Town of Dekorra, along each side of I-39/90/94 in Columbia County. The new facilities replace ones built in 1979. Each of the new 8,800-square-foot buildings has 46 urinals/toilets (up from 16 in the buildings replaced). Parking for cars has more than doubled for northbound drivers, and more than tripled for southbound drivers (to 190 spaces for southbound drivers). Truck parking has also more than doubled, from 25 spots in each direction to 63 spots (northbound) and 68 spots (southbound). Use of these facilities is expected to increase 35 percent over the next 20 years. This project construction cost was $22 million; 90 percent of which was paid through federal highway improvement funds.

Public comments gathered from customer comment cards indicate that Wisconsin's rest areas are among the best-maintained in the country. In 2009, visitors who resided in 44 different states and 7 countries rated the state’s rest area maintenance services on average at 1.37 with a scale of one (best) to five (worst). Travelers rated the rest areas on parking lots, lobbies, rest rooms, picnic facilities, grounds and sidewalks. Rest rooms were the most frequently used facility (59%) followed by tourism materials (26%) and picnic areas (7.5%). Over 18 million people stop at Wisconsin rest areas annually.

For more information, see WisDOT's rest areas and waysides Web page, or the Rehabilitation for Wisconsin Web page.

Rest area near Beloit

Additional information about Wisconsin rest areas and their locations