North Carolina DOT’s $1.5 million renovation of two rest areas along I-40 East and West improved conditions for traveling Americans with disabilities while providing a reprieve from the driving experience for all of the route’s travelers. NCDOT replaced the 23-year-old facilities on one of North Carolina’s most heavily traveled roadways with new restroom stalls meeting ADA requirements and a completely modernized facility in general, using environmentally friendly elements such as LED lighting, low flush facilities, and a solar thermal hot water system to warm the facet water, all of which helps the environment and saves money on utility bills. The improved facilities now better serve the 850,000 motorists that use the facilities each year.
America's Transportation Awards 