Iowa rest area to close for the winter, will reopen in April 2023

The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is asking drivers to make alternate parking plans ahead of a planned rest area closure.

Starting at 9 a.m. on November 14, 2022, Iowa DOT will close the rest area located on southbound I-35 at mile marker 51 in Warren County near St. Charles.

This rest area is primarily used by commercial motor carriers, Iowa DOT says.

“Because the ramp from the rest area to I-35 is on an incline, large vehicles often have trouble getting traction to merge onto I-35 during winter weather, causing a dangerous situation on the roadway,” authorities said.

Iowa DOT plans to reopen the rest area in late April 2023.