Dearborn, Missouri — The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced that the southbound I‑20 rest area in Dearborn and the I‑35 stop in Lathrop will close on March 16 and remain closed until the fall, when they will reopen as truck‑only parking sites.

The change comes after MoDOT found that 87 of the 141 interstate rest sites in the state are at or above capacity during peak hours, and a further 23 sit between 80‑100 % full. Commercial trucks make up roughly 35 % of daily interstate traffic, and drivers often end up idling on access ramps when they cannot locate a legal parking spot. The new design is intended to reduce that unsafe practice and keep lanes clear for freight movement.

The $3.8 million project will demolish existing rest‑area buildings, replace them with expanded truck‑parking bays, and install vault toilets. Construction is slated to finish by late October, and the upgraded stops will become part of the network of 45 MoDOT stops across seven interstates, which currently includes seven welcome centers, 14 rest areas, and 24 truck‑only parking sites. Marty Liles, MoDOT northwest district engineer, said converting the facilities will meet commercial vehicle needs while cutting renovation and upkeep costs associated with traditional rest areas.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators, the new sites will provide a reliable place to pull off the highway without violating FMCSA regulations that prohibit parking on access ramps. Drivers can expect to find a full bay during the busiest months, eliminating the need to circle the highway for minutes on end. The upgraded sites will also include dedicated loading zones, which can help OTR truck drivers and regional haulers finish inspections more efficiently. With the added capacity, fleet managers will see fewer delays in the Midwest corridor, improving on‑time performance and reducing fuel waste.

Industry Reaction

While the source does not quote specific carriers, freight operators across the state have welcomed the move, noting that the lack of safe parking has long been a pain point. Trucking companies hiring in Missouri are already anticipating smoother routes once the new rest areas open, and the improved infrastructure aligns with the latest FMCSA guidelines that encourage safe, off‑road parking for long‑haul trucks.

Key Points

• Two rest areas—Dearborn I‑20 southbound and Lathrop I‑35—will close on March 16 and reopen as truck‑only sites in the fall.
• The $3.8 million upgrade will replace existing buildings, add parking bays, and install vault toilets, with completion expected by late October.
• MoDOT’s study shows 35 % of interstate traffic is commercial, and 87 of 141 rest sites are at or above capacity during peak periods.
• New facilities will reduce unsafe ramp parking and align with FMCSA regulations, benefiting CDL‑A drivers, owner‑operators, and fleet managers.

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