FLETCHER, N.C. — A new rest area off Interstate 26 at the Buncombe/Henderson County line in North Carolina has opened.
The facility features high ceilings, fine wood finishes, energy efficient plumbing, lots of natural light, and plenty of space for four-legged family members, according to a news release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
“I jokingly call it the Taj Mahal of rest areas, but I’m only kind of joking,” Division 14 Resident Engineer Mike Patton told WYFF news. “We hope that drivers from our area and across the nation take a break from driving and enjoy this wonderful rest area.”
The rest area also features dozens of parking for its visitors, with 90 passenger spaces and 30 semi-truck spaces. The corresponding westbound rest area is set to open in the middle of June.
“NCDOT takes great pride in its rest areas, not only in the mountains, but across the state,” Division 13 Roadside Environmental Engineer Jeff Wait said. “Some of the finest rest areas in the country are located right here in western North Carolina. And depending on who you ask, this may be the best.”
An average of 64,000 people per day drove this stretch of I-26 in 2019.
Crews from Archer/Wright Joint Venture and subcontractors built the rest areas for approximately $5 million each as part of the $271 million project to widen I-26 in Henderson County.
Some of the features include the following:
- 90 passenger car parking spaces
- 30 semi-truck parking spaces
- 4 handicap parking spaces
- Complete ADA compliance
- High-efficiency lighting
- Low-flow water systems
- Family restroom with changing table
- Patio picnic area
- Separate vending machine building
- Dedicated pet area with fire-hydrant
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
