VIGO COUNTY, Ind. - Earlier today, Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Smith was joined by Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corporation, state legislators, local officials, and industry partners to break ground on a $53.5 million project to reconstruct the Clear Creek Welcome Center located on I-70 eastbound near Terre Haute.

"We unveiled the design of Indiana's new entry signs and shared renderings of the new welcome center last week at IMS with INDOT and Indiana Destination Development Corporation," said Gov. Eric Holcomb. "Both projects are prime examples of efforts across the state to take Hoosier hospitality to the next level."

The new welcome center will feature design elements and interactive exhibits that highlight Indiana’s local and regional racing history, specifically the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indianapolis 500. Visitors will also enjoy a children’s play area, adult recreation area, a walking path and dog park. Additional truck parking and trucker restroom facilities are also included.

"This new facility will welcome visitors and Hoosiers alike as they enter the great State of Indiana in western Vigo County," said INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. "The goal is to provide a safe, relaxing environment for drivers with the amenities and services they need.”

Hannig Construction of Terre Haute is the prime contractor on the reconstruction project. The existing welcome center will close on or after Thursday, June 1. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2025.

INDOT is executing a 10-year plan to improve interstate rest areas and welcome centers statewide to modernize facilities, construct new buildings and improve parking for both passenger vehicles and large trucks. When completed, INDOT's improvement plan is projected to add more than 1,100 additional semitrailer parking spaces to facilities statewide. INDOT plans call for an investment of over $600 million in improvements to 21 rest areas and welcome centers by the end of fiscal year 2030. More information about INDOT's long-term improvement plan is available here.

INDOT currently operates 26 rest area or welcome center facilities on Indiana's interstate highways across the state. Nine rest area locations have facilities on both sides of the interstate, and eight sites are located on only one side of the highway.