KL Engineering is proud to have served as prime consultant for the Sparta Safety Rest Area, located along westbound I-90 in Monroe County. We assisted WisDOT in this transformative project that led to a safer, more accessible, and more durable public facility. This year, the Sparta Safety Rest Area project received a 2026 ASCE Wisconsin Engineering Achievement Award in the Construction Cost Category.
When asked that made this project special for KL, Project Manager Joshua Melby said:
“Designing a rest area presents a different set of considerations than many of our typical transportation projects. The Sparta Rest Area provided an opportunity to work closely with our partners to develop a facility that meets the needs of travelers while addressing the unique requirements of the site.”
Before the transformation, the Sparta Safety Rest Area had reached the limits of what a 1960s-era facility could provide for modern interstate users. The original rest area had deteriorated pavement, aging septic and water systems, and a building that no longer met current WisDOT standards to name a few issues. According to Joshua Melby, the reconstruction was the most recent project of its kind in a decade. “It was exciting to be a part of the first rest area reconstruct in nearly 10 years and be able to replace the oldest rest area facility in Wisconsin with a new modern facility that better serves the traveling public.”
We are honored by the recognition this project has earned and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to improvements that will allow the Sparta Safety Rest Area to better serve travelers along the I-90 corridor in Monroe County.
