Wisconsin Rest Area Now Back on the Map for Truck Drivers

Wisconsin Reopens I-90 Rest Area with More Truck Parking

New and Improved Rest Area Near Sparta

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has reopened the westbound Interstate 90 rest area near Sparta after a major $12.5 million reconstruction project. The site, located in Monroe County, was originally built in 1969 and no longer met modern traffic and parking demands.

The project started in August 2024 and included about $8 million in federal funds. According to WisDOT, the goal was to improve safety, accessibility, and convenience for both commercial drivers and travelers using the busy I-90 corridor.

Rest Area Adds More Truck Parking

One of the biggest improvements at the Sparta rest area is the addition of truck parking. The location now offers 70 parking spaces for commercial vehicles — a major increase from the 16 spaces available before reconstruction.

It also includes a staging area for oversized and overweight vehicles, which supports freight operations along this key interstate route.

To help drivers find available parking, new digital signs along I-90 will show real-time information about open spaces ahead of the area entrance.

Modern Facilities for Drivers

The upgraded location offers much more than parking. It features improved lighting, expanded vending options, and water-bottle filling stations. The restrooms were rebuilt to meet current accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

WisDOT also added new family-assist restrooms equipped with height-adjustable adult changing stations — the first of their kind in a state-owned rest area in Wisconsin. These upgrades aim to make the facility more comfortable for all travelers, including those with disabilities.

Supporting Truck Drivers and Highway Safety

The improvements are especially significant for truck drivers facing limited parking options across the country. The added capacity helps reduce unsafe roadside parking and gives drivers a safe place to rest while complying with hours-of-service regulations.

Officials said the new area also enhances highway safety by improving visibility, traffic flow, and access for both freight and passenger vehicles.

Next Steps in Wisconsin’s Rest Area Program

WisDOT plans to continue improving its statewide network of rest areas. Two additional sites along Interstate 43 — near Denmark and Maribel, Wisconsin — are under construction and expected to reopen in summer 2026.

These ongoing projects show Wisconsin’s commitment to supporting truck drivers and travelers with safer, modern facilities across key freight corridors.