Ohio Governor Opens Three New Rest Areas Amid Statewide Infrastructure Upgrade

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently celebrated the opening of three new and renovated rest areas along Interstates 70 and 77 in Belmont and Washington counties as part of an eight-year statewide initiative to improve travel safety, accessibility, and visitor experience. These rest stops feature upgraded amenities such as dog trails, rocking chairs, and Storybook Trails, which offer families engaging activities while highlighting Ohio’s natural history and local attractions. The project aims to address a projected 26% increase in freight volume over the next two decades by adding 33 new truck rest stops and upgrading 40 existing ones by 2026, supporting economic growth through increased traveler spending. DeWine emphasized that modern rest areas serve not only as convenient stops but also as a way to showcase Ohio’s communities and enhance local economies, which generated $57 billion in visitor spending in 2024. The initiative includes expanded truck parking spaces, with plans to open 36 new rest areas and renovate more than 40 by the end of 2026, reflecting a broad vision to meet future transportation demands. These efforts are supported by the Ohio Department of Transportation and local officials, who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies marking the project’s milestones.