Governor Unveils Re-Designed Rest Area

Licking County- A newly re-designed rest area on Interstate 70 in Licking County includes images of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Ohio’s first United Nations Educational Scientific and Culture Organization World Heritage site.

Governor Mike DeWine along with the Ohio Department of Development and Ohio Department of Transportation Directors were on hand to unveil the re-designed rest area on I-70 west, Thursday in recognition of World Heritage Day.

“We want to encourage people to explore Ohio. See Ohio and the Earthworks are something that is really really special. These were made 1500 to 2,000 years ago by Indigenous Americans and they are just phenomenal to see,” said Governor DeWine.

Inside the facility travelers can also see images of other Licking County attractions including downtown Newark, Dawes Arboretum and the restored Midland Theater.

In May 2023, Governor DeWine and ODOT released a plan to build 33 new rest areas and upgrade more than a dozen throughout the state by the end of 2026.