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Iverson Lake rest area demolished [UPDATED]
Published 10:45am Tuesday, September 13, 2011 Updated 10:45am Tuesday, September 13, 2011Motorists may encounter daytime lane closures and trucks hauling debris on eastbound Interstate 94 east of Fergus Falls.
Crews will begin permanently closing the Lake Iverson Rest Area and demolishing the facilities.
Crews will remove the entrance and exit ramps, acceleration lane, rest area parking lot and all structures on the site. Work is scheduled to take approximately two weeks.
Rising water over the last five to 10 years has forced the Minnesota Department of Transportation to close the rest area on various occasions.
MnDOT last closed the rest area on March 5, 2010, and has not been able to open the facility since.
MnDOT is currently evaluating existing rest areas along I-94 and looking into possible replacement facility options for the Lake Iverson Rest Area. Plans for the existing land are still pending, but the state intends to keep it for another public purpose.
The existing Lake Iverson Rest Area was built in 1968. It was designed with a park-like setting, including 20 acres of land, walkways, picnic shelters and scenic picnic sites.
It was a popular stop for travelers due to its proximity to Lake Iverson and scenic surroundings.
MnDOT urges motorists to always drive with caution, slow down in work zones and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
For statewide travel information, visit www.511mn.org, call 5-1-1 or log on to www.mndot.gov.
