217: I-10 Rest Area Expansion Okaloosa County

The expansion of the I-10 Rest Area in Okaloosa County, Fla., addresses major problems truck drivers face at this rest stop. Before the project, this rest area had limited and inconvenient parking for truck drivers and insufficient hygiene facilities. These problems made it difficult for drivers to get the proper rest and cleanliness to continue their trips safely. Truck drivers are the backbone of the American economy, transporting goods daily. This project aimed to improve the rest area to benefit truck drivers and community members.

We added 15 truck parking spaces to the south side of the rest area. These spaces matched the existing style of the present truck parking spaces. All signs, ITS and lighting added for the new spots matched the existing style to ensure safety. The new spots allowed drivers to pull directly into and out of the spaces for convenience. In addition to the parking spaces, we added two restroom buildings southeast and southwest of the rest area. Each building had a footprint of 20 feet by 42 feet and a height of 18 feet. We included six ADA-compliant restrooms in each building. These facilities provided proper hygiene and comfort to traveling users.

We also improved drainage to manage stormwater runoff and limit environmental impacts. The design follows economic, social and environmental guidelines to protect workers and the surrounding area during and after construction. The improvements ensure truck drivers can rest comfortably, making roads safer for everyone in the long term.