VINTON, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced today that the I-10 rest area in the Vinton/Toomey area will be temporarily closed to the public beginning Monday, July 6, for renovation.
The $16 million project will involve demolition of the current welcome center, which will be replaced with a new 16,000 square foot facility.
Additional improvements include the following:
• Renovation of truck and car parking areas
• Addition of bus drop-off area and pavilion
• Addition of concrete waterfront boardwalk and walkways
• New picnic pavilions and covered lake lookout
• Installation of a new sewage treatment plant and sanitary sewer system
• Addition of water well and water distribution system
• Addition of CCTV security and electrical systems
• Addition of enhanced site lighting and landscaping
In addition, the new welcome center will be designed to become “dark sky” compliant, which will aid in reducing light pollution.
The renovation project is estimated to take place over the next 18 months. During this time, access to Lake Bienvenue will also be prohibited.
During the closure, tourist information can be accessed at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau located at 1205 North Lakeshore Drive in Lake Charles (exit 29 on I-10).
For a list of other rest areas available in Louisiana, visit DOTD’s rest area information page.