COLUMBUS – Motorists traveling into central Ohio from the east will find a rest area that offers much more than restrooms, snacks and picnic tables.
Gov. Mike DeWine and other top state officials cut the ribbon Thursday on the newly redesigned rest area on I-70 westbound in Licking County.
Department of Development director Lydia Mihalik, and Department of Transportation director Jack Marchbanks joined DeWine at the unveiling, held in recognition of Worl Heritage Day.
The rest area includes images of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, a collection of eight earthwork locations in Ohio which have been designate UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The rest area also features images of other nearby attractions, like downtown Newark, Dawes Arboretum and the restored 1928 Midland Theatre along with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, COSI and other central Ohio attractions.
“We have a wonderful story to tell here in Ohio. The re-imagined rest areas are an important piece of telling that story, because they encapsulate the vibrant history of the surrounding area and showcase the main attractions nearby,” Mihalik said. “Our ultimate goal is to inspire travelers to enjoy and extend their stay while they’re here and then return to our great state in the future.”
A video board displays live weather and real-time traffic and road alerts, as well as other tourist information.
A 10-foot Ohio map highlights other points of interest, including Ohio’s colleges and university, state parks and campgrounds, and nearby lakes.
The state plans to build 33 new rest areas and upgrade more than a dozen others throughout the state by the end of 2026, DeWine and ODOT announced a year ago.