The Indiana Department of Transportation is implementing a 10-year plan to upgrade interstate rest areas and welcome centers across the state – an effort focused on modernizing facilities, expanding parking, and adding new semi-trailer parking areas. The $36.4 million Kankakee Welcome Center is the second site completed under this program; replacing a rest area originally built in 1988. The new center features two Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA-compliant family assist restrooms and a family assist shower, designed to accommodate travelers assisting family members with personal hygiene needs – an amenity suggested by travelers and essential as more of the public ages. Located on southbound I-65 in northwest Indiana, the Kankakee center offers enhanced security, accessibility, and inclusivity. The shower includes a flushable floor drain and bench, making it easier for families with children or older adults to manage hygiene issues discreetly. The family assist restroom provides a safe, private space for those traveling with young children, older adults, or anyone needing extra care. Due to the popularity of these features, they are now integral to INDOT’s future designs. The center also includes expanded semitrailer parking with 150 spots and dedicated restroom facilities for truck drivers, featuring four ADA-compliant restrooms each.
America's Transportation Awards 