Indy 500-themed rest stop in Vigo County moves forward | WIBQ The conversation station

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Progress continues at the Clear Creek Welcome Center in western Vigo County.

The rest area is located at the 2 mile marker on eastbound I-70.

As you may recall, the old center was demolished as part of INDOT’s $600 million investment in rest areas and welcome centers across the state.

The Clear Creek Visitor Center was tucked behind the trees, barely visible from the highway. However, as construction continues, the new visitor center is moving forward to make visitors feel welcome in the Hoosier State.

“It’s a destination, so what better way to say ‘Hey!’ Welcome to the state of Indiana, as you drive out of Illinois on I-70 and the checkered flag is ready to declare you the winner as you cross the finish line? » » Blake Dollier, public information officer for INDOT West Central, said.

“It’s just awesome,” Vigo County Commissioner Mark Clinkenbeard said. “I mean, it was the size that amazed me, the size of this place.”

The project spans approximately 15,000 square feet and represents an INDOT investment of $53 million.

“We call ourselves the Crossroads of America and we want to think of ourselves as a leader in transportation and sometimes transportation gives truckers or drivers a place to rest a little bit,” Dollier said.

Hannig Construction is the general contractor for the project. Vice President Seth Porter said the work was progressing according to schedule.

The foundations have been poured and the metal frame is currently being erected.

Porter said in the coming months, plants will be planted and parking lots will flood.

“Right now, the biggest issue is drying out the building, so we want to be able to start the finishing touches, and by winter we can be enclosed and able to work inside,” Porter said. .

Vigo County Commissioners recently visited the site and Clinkenbeard said we are already seeing the impact on the community.

“What we are currently seeing is the economic impact that this is having on local trades.

“You can see this building directly from I-70,” Porter said. “It’s very visible. I think there will be many more visitors here than we have seen in the past.

“Having this race theme, especially in the month of May, it’s really exciting to be able to celebrate, you know, the culture of our state, the history of our state,” Dollier said.

Racing fans and history buffs will be thrilled to have the opportunity to see a replica Burg Warner Trophy, a score pylon or even an Indy Car, but they will have to wait until next summer, 2025.