MANITOWOC COUNTY, WISCONSIN — Two rebuilt safety rest areas along Interstate 43 in Manitowoc County are reopening with expanded truck parking, upgraded facilities, and improved accessibility as part of a $20.4 million Wisconsin Department of Transportation project.
WisDOT said the rest areas near Denmark and Maribel will officially reopen to travelers on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Truck Parking Expanded From 20 Spaces to 56 at Each Rest Area
The two rest areas were originally built in 1980 and had outdated facilities with limited commercial motor vehicle parking.
Before the rebuild, each facility had only 20 truck parking stalls.
Following the project, each rest area now has 56 truck parking spaces, along with a staging area for oversized and overweight vehicles.
WisDOT said new signs along I-43 will notify truck drivers of available parking spots as they plan stops along their routes through northeast Wisconsin.
Officials Say Project Supports Trucking Safety
WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman joined Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association President Dan Johnson, Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities executive committee member Julie Blasky, and community leaders near Maribel to celebrate completion of the project.
“Wisconsin’s safety rest areas are more than places to take a break – they’re an important part of a safe, reliable transportation system,” Boardman said.
Boardman said the new facilities are part of Wisconsin’s effort to build a modern and accessible rest area network for all travelers.
“Whether you’re a commercial driver or a family on vacation, every traveler deserves safe, welcoming places to stop, rest and recharge,” she said.
Johnson said the trucking industry relies on safe and accessible parking for driver well-being, regulatory compliance, and highway safety.
“Safety is the cornerstone of the trucking industry, and we applaud the work of the Wisconsin DOT to modernize these two rest areas,” Johnson said.
He said the investment is especially important in eastern and northeastern Wisconsin, where trucking supports manufacturers, farmers, and businesses across the region.
Accessibility and Facility Upgrades Added
In addition to the expanded truck parking, WisDOT modernized the rest areas with improved lighting, dedicated indoor space for vending options, drinking fountains with water bottle fillers, and ADA-compliant restrooms.
The I-43 rest areas also now include two family-assisted restrooms with powered, height-adjustable adult changing stations.
Blasky thanked WisDOT for its work to improve accessibility.
“Projects like the one we celebrate today are a step in the right direction towards making travel throughout Wisconsin more welcoming and possible to members of the disability community,” Blasky said.
Project Included Federal Grant Funding
Construction began in late April 2025.
WisDOT said the $20.4 million project included $12.5 million secured through a federal grant.
All major construction activities have been completed.
WisDOT said it plans to rebuild two additional safety rest areas along I-41 near Theresa and Lomira in Dodge County in the coming years.
Wisconsin has 28 safety rest areas located along the interstate highway system and other major four-lane highways. The facilities are open year-round.
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