Kentucky’s “best maintained” rest area for 2023 can be found on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 64 in Clark County, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced today.
“The interstate highway system was planned with rest areas along the way as a convenience. Now, they’re a necessity,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray, whose agency annually presents the Best Maintained Rest Area Award. “It sends a message about our state when we can offer visitors a clean, safe facility in which everything is in working order.”
It’s the fourth time in the award’s 23-year history that the Clark County Eastbound I-64 rest area, near Winchester, has been accorded the honor. Judging is based on unannounced quarterly inspections by the cabinet.
Built in 1956, the Clark County I-64 rest area offers travelers clean restrooms, drinking water, snack machines, well-lit parking, picnicking areas, and a pet walking area. The foyer features a tiled mosaic of the state with major cities and towns. The rest area is widely considered one of the best remaining examples of early interstate facility architecture.
All Kentucky roadside rest areas are operated by Community Services Project Inc. (CSP), a nonprofit that trains and employs about 400 disabled workers in Kentucky. About a third of the workers are dedicated to maintaining Kentucky’s 16 rest areas, seven welcome centers, and four truck rest havens.
Certificates to commemorate the award were presented to CSP employees, as well as to employees of Department of Highways District 7.
“The Transportation Cabinet’s mission to provide safe highways is at the heart of our rest area program,” said KYTC State Highway Engineer James Ballinger. “They provide an attractive, safe haven for those who need a break after driving long periods of time, whether on vacation or as a vocation. Once refreshed, drivers can return to the road and – thanks to the hard work of CSP and our own District 7 roadside team – take a good impression of Kentucky with them.”
“Thank you to the Community Services Project staff and our District 7 Roadside team for their dedication to maintaining this unique rest area facility”, said KYTC Chief District Engineer Kelly Baker. “Whether it’s a stop to use the restrooms, stretch your legs for a few minutes, or to view the architecture of the facility; our goal is to provide a safe, convenient place to refresh and recharge.”