The Michigan City welcome center on Interstate 94 is included on an Indiana Department of Transportation list of projects.
INDOT's 10-year plan will improve 26 rest areas statewide with more than $600 million by the end of 2030.
Plans include modernizing facilities, constructing new buildings, improving parking and converting some parking for semi-tractor trailers.
“Each INDOT rest area or welcome center is designed to provide a relaxing, informative oasis along the nearby interstate,” INDOT said.
The Michigan City center is slated for construction in 2030. The INDOT website said the current facility, which was built in 1982, closed June 5.
Construction on the Kankakee welcome center off I-65 south of Gary is ongoing. Work on the $34.8 million 11,304-square-feet rest stop began in August 2021 and is expected to be complete in 2024.
The improvement plan includes adding 1,100 more spaces for semi-tractor trailers throughout the state.
Interstate rest areas and welcome centers are regulated by the Federal Highway Administration.
Caption: The current facility in Michigan City is on the westbound side of I-94, mile marker 43. It has restrooms, vending machines, and parking for 103 cars, 31 trucks and four handicap spots. (Provided by the Indiana Department of Transportation)
