Planning for an expected increase in semi-truck traffic in Ohio isn’t the only upgrade Governor Mike DeWine is bringing to the Buckeye State.
DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, state leaders and local partners celebrated the opening of a new westbound I-70 rest stop with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 20, per a release from the governor’s office. That comes just weeks after DeWine opened three new rest areas along Interstates 70 and 77.
Here’s what to know about the new rest area and its features.
This map from the Ohio Department of Transportation shows the rest areas around the state that will be or have been upgraded.
New interstate rest stop opened by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine near Hocking Hills, Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Y-bridge
Ohio’s newest rest area is on I-70 in Zanesville in Muskingum County, west of the junction with I-77. The rest area will feature information about Zanesville, Newark, and Lancaster, along with the area’s landmarks and attractions such as The Wilds, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Zanesville’s famous Y-bridge, Hocking Hills (one of the best scenic fall drives) and more.
“Our rest areas provide a much-needed service to travelers, and they are also a great opportunity to highlight the amazing attractions across our beautiful state that make Ohio, The Heart of It All,” Governor DeWine said.
New rest stop in Zanesville features universal changing station
Another special feature about the I-70 new rest area is its universal changing station in the family restroom, part of an initiative that aims to provide a clean, safe area for people with disabilities and medical conditions and their caregivers.
As part of DeWine’s plans to create new and improved rest areas all over Ohio, 29 of those will have universal changing stations by the end of 2026.
The rest area also includes a storybook trail that features books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library collection, according to the release.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Gov. DeWine opens highway rest area near famous Ohio sites. Here’s where
