Expanding a parking facility and replacing aging structures with modernized facilities

Straight River Safety Rest Area

Offering views of a wooded river valley, the I-35 Straight River Safety Rest Area is an ideal resting point for northbound vehicles travelling to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and beyond. After nearly 40 years, the facility was ready for an upgrade, and the semi-truck parking area needed to grow: overflow vehicles were parking unsafely on the ramp.

Working with designerss, Snow Kreilich Architects, Stantec provided the civil design for safe parking and traveler access to the modernized main building and pavilion shelters. The final parking design provides 50 car stalls and 30 semi-truck stalls, allowing for safe vehicle and pedestrian movements within the 10-acre project area. In addition to the parking improvements, we contributed an energy-efficient LED lighting design for the parking area, sidewalks, and building. Incorporating daylight harvesting techniques within the building added another layer of energy efficiency. Finally, our team updated the building’s water supply and sanitary service, including a new lift station.

The result of our efforts is a rest stop that redefines what a rest stop can be. Providing the extra space needed to keep drivers safe, the design is also efficient—it fulfills project requirements while also highlighting the natural beauty of the area.