A new rest area opens today on U.S. 287 near Three Forks, Montana. The Montana Department of Transportation said the new rest area opens today at 9 a.m.
It is located near the Interstate 90 interchange, and includes modern design features, safety enhancements, and a law enforcement office that will be available for use by the Broadwater County Sheriff, Montana Highway Patrol, and MDT Motor Carrier Services. It has 35 truck parking spaces.
"MDT appreciates the public's patience as this project took longer than expected," said MDT Interim Director Larry Flynn. "This has been a long process. We look forward to opening the Headwaters Rest Area to better serve the needs of the traveling public."
Among the features being integrated into the design of the new rest area are:
- The site, picnic structure, and building design eliminate blind spots
- Parking area, sidewalks, picnic areas, and building include safety lighting
- LED lighting covers 100% of pedestrian and parking areas
- Eight private restrooms lit by LED lights; battery back-ups will provide light in the event of power failure
- Large windows offer visibility and contribute to well-lit hallways
- Rest area location on west side of the property at the highest point maximizes visibility, sight lines and security
- Security systems cover buildings and parking areas with surveillance-class media server for storage of video, ability to view/access video onsite, and error messaging to notify of system failure
- Displayed signs will note video surveillance
- License plate cameras with infrared illumination will capture data at rest area entrance and exit with illuminator at the entrance and exit of the rest area
- Rest area site is nearby planned future Public Safety Facility
- Site design enables local Sheriff and Montana Highway Patrol to view rest area from US 287 and conduct random drive-through patrol of the site
- All restrooms will have changing stations and toddler seating
- The drinking fountain will include a bottle filler
- Interpretive signs will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the area
- A fenced pet area
- An extended pergola roof will provide shade
