In this sixth episode of Roadside Chat, hosts Jenny Butcher and Daniel Yeh explore Iowa’s rest areas and truck parking system with David Bollenbaugh, Public Service Supervisor for Iowa DOT Rest Areas, and Adrianne Knight, Transportation Planner with the Iowa DOT. Together, they discuss the services Iowa’s rest areas provide today and the plans underway to improve them for future travelers.

They cover:

• How Iowa’s 38 full-service rest areas and 12 parking-only facilities support travelers and truck drivers.

• Amenities available at Iowa rest areas, including restrooms, Wi-Fi, vending areas, picnic spaces, and adult changing stations.

• The unique educational themes and local history featured at rest areas across the state.

• Why truck parking is essential for safety and how rest areas provide a safe place to rest.

• Rules for overnight parking and why drivers should stop when they feel fatigued.

• The importance of reporting suspicious activity and helping keep rest areas safe for everyone.

• How Iowa DOT plans for future rest area improvements and replacements.

• Major projects underway, including upgrades in Onawa and Cedar Rapids.

• The growing need for truck parking and plans to add more than 200 additional truck parking spaces statewide over the next 20 years.

• How travelers can use the Iowa 511 app to locate rest areas and parking facilities before hitting the road.

Resources:  

• Iowa 511: ⁠511ia.org
• Iowa DOT Rest Areas