I-65 Rest Area Project Delivers 225 New Truck Parking Spaces in Indiana

Earlier this week, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) celebrated the completion of a new rest area project along I-65 in the northwestern part of Indiana with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

On Tuesday, October 24th, INDOT marked the official opening of the Kankakee Welcome Center, situated on the southbound lanes of I-65 near mile marker 231 in Jasper County. This new facility serves as a replacement for a rest area that was originally constructed back in 1988.

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In the scope of the $40 million, two-year rest area project, enhancements have been made to the parking facilities at both the northbound and southbound locations. The southbound side now offers a total of 150 truck parking spaces, while the northbound side has 75.

The Kankakee Welcome Center also boasts additional features, such as a dog park, a designated play area for children, an adult recreation zone, walking trails, and even a pond for added enjoyment.

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“Indiana lives up to our destination as the Crossroads of America through our top-rated infrastructure and our commitment to getting Hoosiers and visitors to where they need to go,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “Visitors passing through on I-65 will have a clean, safe and interactive experience.”  

“Through its Rest Area and Welcome Center Improvement Plan, INDOT is committed to providing safe, relaxing environments where travelers can rest and recharge as they enter and drive through Indiana,” said INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. “This has been an opportunity to work with state and local partners to provide a glimpse of all northwest Indiana has to offer in the ways of industry and tourism. We appreciate the hard work of the project team who helped make the new welcome center come to life, and we’re looking forward to the facilities yet to come.”

Below, you’ll find a time-lapse video that showcases the entire construction process of the welcome center project.