I-65 rest area project brings 225 truck parking spaces to Indiana

This week, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a newly completed rest area project along I-65 in northwestern Indiana.

On Tuesday, October 24, INDOT officially opened the Kankakee Welcome Center on southbound I-65 near mile marker 231 in Jasper County. The Kankakee Welcome Center replaces a rest area facility built in 1988.

As part of the two year, $40 million rest area project, there is now increased parking at both the northbound and southbound facilities, with 150 truck parking spots on the southbound side and 75 on the northbound side.

Other amenities at the Kankakee Welcome Center include a dog park, children’s play area, an adult recreation area, walking trails, and a pond.

“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.”

You can view time-lapse video of the welcome center construction project below.