Wisconsin I-43 rest areas reopen with expanded truck parking as part of $20 million project

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reopened two rest areas following rebuilds to modernize the facilities and increase truck parking availability.

On August 5, WisDOT will officially reopen two rest areas along I-43 near Denmark and Maribel in Manitowoc County.

The facilities were built in 1920 with only 20 truck parking spaces.

Following the rebuilds, the rest areas now offer 56 truck parking spaces at each facility and a staging area for oversized/overweight vehicles.

Other upgrades include better lighting, dedicated indoor space for vending options, drinking fountains with water bottle fillers and ADA-compliant restrooms.

Work began on the rest area rebuilds in late April 2025. The cost of the project was $20.4 million.

“Wisconsin’s safety rest areas are more than places to take a break – they’re an important part of a safe, reliable transportation system,” WisDOT Secretary Boardman said. “With these two new facilities, we’re continuing to build a network of modern, accessible rest areas that better serve everyone who travels our highways. Whether you’re a commercial driver or a family on vacation, every traveler deserves safe, welcoming places to stop, rest and recharge.”

WisDOT plans to do similar rebuilds at the two rest areas on I-41 near Theresa and Lomira in Dodge County “in the coming years.”