DOTD celebrates grand opening of Tremont Rest Area, Lincoln Parish
Friday, April 07, 2017 at 4:06:27 PM
Choudrant, La. – Today, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Dr. Shawn Wilson marked the grand opening of the new Tremont Rest Area facility in Lincoln Parish.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the newly constructed rest area on eastbound I-20 at mile post 95 near the town of Choudrant, and was attended by DOTD architects and district staff, elected officials and contractors.
“This particular facility is going to provide respite and relaxation for many. But more importantly, for everyone that passes by this location, it’s a very attractive facility,” said Dr. Wilson. “It’s probably one of the most engaging rest areas I’ve seen anywhere.”
The old rest area facility, built in 1986, was demolished and replaced with a state-of-the-art complex, including new restrooms and a security office.
DOTD’s architects and landscape architects blended a contemporary look with the architectural traditions of the region and the natural terrain of the site to provide a refreshing experience for the fatigued motorists.
The nearly $12 million project equipped the rest area with updated amenities and enlarged the facility by 8.5 acres. The site features an expanded parking area that accommodates 43 semi-trucks, 3 buses and 68 passenger vehicles.
The deceleration and acceleration ramps along I-20 were lengthened to improve safety as vehicles enter and exit the facility.
“This is a beautiful site. I’m very impressed with how large the area is,” said State Representative Rob Shadoin (R-District 12). “This is an extremely attractive place to stop for people traveling through the Ark-La-Tex.”
Along with a new sewer treatment plant, the Tremont Rest Area also features water modifications, 4,242 feet of concrete walks, striping, signage, 13 pavilions, all new LED lighting and a surveillance system.
Fresh landscaping includes 636 trees, 2,763 shrubs, a 2-acre pollination habitat, an automatic irrigation system, as well as other amenities that accompany the facility.
“I’m proud of the investment the state has made in this rest area,” added Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker. “I think it’s important as we face the issues we face across the state, that cities and parishes find ways to put some ‘skin in the game.’”
The benefits of investing in rest areas along limited access freeways are numerous and include: comfort and convenience, reduction in excess travel, crash and fatigue reductions, and a boost in tourism.
Additionally, studies across the nation have found a positive relationship between rest area spacing and reducing the number of fatigue-related crashes.
“On behalf of the Governor and the Lt. Governor, we’re excited to have a landmark facility like this one here along the north Louisiana corridor we know as I-20,” Dr. Wilson said.
DOTD maintains 11 rest area and visitor welcome centers across the state along the I-10, I-20, I-49, I-55 and I-59 corridors.
For up-to-date information on the status of rest area opening and temporary closures, dial 511 from your phone or visit www.511la.org.
