NC DOT: 'Luxurious' rest area on I-26 East with over 100 parking spaces opens May 6

FLETCHER - A "luxurious" rest area with over 100 parking spaces is set to open May 6, complete with high ceilings, wood finishes, energy efficient plumbing, windows for natural light and open space for pets, according to a news release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The rest area is off Interstate 26 East, near the Buncombe-Henderson county line, at mile marker 41. A corresponding westbound rest area is set to open in June, according to the release.

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 the interstate in Henderson County, according to the release.

Construction of the rest area started in October 2019, said David Uchiyama, NCDOT spokesperson.

An older rest area was demolished to make room for the new one, he said.

"It is certainly the newest and has all the features to ensure that decades of drivers enjoy a safe, welcoming and comfortable place to simply use the facilities or rest on a long road trip," the release says. "An average of 64,000 people per day drove this stretch of I-26 in 2019."

“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 in the release. “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.”

“I jokingly call it the Taj Mahal of rest areas, but I’m only kind of joking,” Division 14 Resident Engineer Mike Patton said in the release. “We hope that drivers from our area and across the nation take a break from driving and enjoy this wonderful rest area.”

The Department of Transportation says the rest area has the following features:

? 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

Ryan Oehrli is the breaking news and social justice reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times. Email [email protected] or call/text 252-944-6816 for tips.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: I-26 'Luxurious' rest area with over 100 parking spaces opens May 6